Fish Habitat Writing Award Winners

Logo of the National Fish Habitat Partnership

Created alongside the National Fish Habitat Partnership to raise awareness of the importance of protecting, restoring and enhancing fish habitat and aquatic communities.

The Fish Habitat Award was awarded to the top contestants that best answered the question “Why do you think it is important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?” or shared the importance of conservation in their creative writing.

2026 Award Winners

  • 1st – Jasper Zhang

    K-3rd Grade | NJ

  • 1st – Calista Karamitso

    4th-6th Grade | NY

  • 1st – Jane Wang

    7th-9th Grade | MA

  • 1st – Chloe Yong

    10th-12th Grade | ID

  • 2nd - Grace Ma

    4th-6th Grade | NY

  • 2nd - Rylee Yang

    7th-9th Grade | MD

  • 2nd - Amy Ouyang

    10th-12th Grade | NJ

  • 3rd - Chloe Sam

    4th-6th Grade | MD

  • 3rd - Stevan Raca

    7th-9th Grade | CA

  • 3rd - Amy Yang

    10th-12th Grade | MI

2025 Award Winners

  • A handwritten note with a child's handwriting discussing the importance of protecting lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines, attributed to Albert Johnson, a kindergartener from Minnesota. The note includes a question, a statement about Mother Earth being in danger, and a signature.

    1st – Albert Johnson

    K-3rd Grade | MN

  • A poem titled "Why We Should be Protecting the Oceans" by Sen Chen, dated February 14, 2025, discusses the importance of protecting oceans, marine life, and the environment from pollution and harm.

    1st – Sen Chen

    4th-6th Grade | NY

  • A close-up of an open book page discussing the importance of protecting lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines for maintaining biodiversity, supporting ecosystems, and ensuring clean water for humans and wildlife.

    1st – Nancy Clark

    7th-9th Grade | OH

  • Letter addressing water conservation and protection of aquatic habitats, written by Tj Kole, Grade 10, Texas.

    1st – TJ Kole

    10th-12th Grade | TX

  • A letter emphasizing the importance of protecting lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines to preserve aquatic life and prevent water pollution, signed by Elora Eldridge, a third-grade student from Florida.

    2nd - Elora Eldridge

    K-3rd Grade | FL

  • A typed handwritten essay titled "Conservation of Water Bodies" discussing the importance of lakes, rivers, and estuaries, and explaining about clownfish and their habitat, written by Saiangi Varshney, a 4th-grade student from New Hampshire.

    2nd - Saiangi Varshney

    4th-6th Grade | NH

  • A printed essay titled "Why it is Important to Take Care of Water Bodies" discussing water pollution, the importance of water, and solutions to water problems.

    2nd - Gracelynn Mehta

    7th-9th Grade | TX

  • Letter from Clara Chu, a sophomore from New York, titled 'The Bluefish's Call to Action,' discussing the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems like the Hudson River, highlighting bluefish characteristics and environmental threats.

    2nd - Clara Chu

    10th-12th Grade | NY

  • Letter titled 'Protecting Our Oceans and Sea Animals' by six-year-old Zoe Zhang, discussing ocean conservation, protecting sea animals, and reducing trash on beaches.

    3rd - Zoe Zhang

    K-3rd Grade | NJ

  • Handwritten essay about the importance of protecting rivers, coastlines, lakes, and oceans, and the need to prevent pollution to safeguard wildlife and natural resources, signed by Luna Liu, a 4th-grade student from Maryland, USA.

    3rd - Luna Liu

    4th-6th Grade | MD

  • A letter addressed to Amy Yang from the WildLife Fish Stamp Contest, dated February 16, 2025, emphasizing the importance of protecting lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines.

    3rd - Amy Yang

    7th-9th Grade | MI

  • A typed essay about the importance of protecting lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines for environmental health, economic growth, and biodiversity.

    3rd - Erendy Sofia Zavala

    10th-12th Grade | TX