The countdown is officially on for the 2025–2026 Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest, with just 18 days remaining for students around the world to submit their artwork before the February 28, 2026 deadline.
"The Fish Art Contest offers a unique opportunity to connect students to fishing and the outdoors through science and creative art," said Veronica Mangio, Education & Marketing Manager at Wildlife Forever. "As the deadline approaches, we encourage families and educators to take advantage of this opportunity to inspire creativity while learning about the importance of healthy aquatic ecosystems."
Hosted by Wildlife Forever, the free international contest invites youth to dive into science, art, and conservation by exploring fish species and aquatic habitats through original artwork and creative writing. Open to students in kindergarten through 12th grade, the Fish Art Contest continues to inspire curiosity, creativity, and environmental stewardship.
With support from Bass Pro Shops, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Yamaha Righwaters, Rapala and the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, the program reaches thousands of students each year. Since 1997, The Fish Art Contest has engaged more than 86,000 young artists from 46 countries, helping connect students to fishing, aquatic science, and conservation education.
How to Participate Before Time Runs Out
- Pick Your Species – Students choose a fish species to research, learning about its habitat, behavior, and conservation story. (Some state contests may limit entries to local species.)
- Create Your Masterpiece – Using any creative medium, students produce an original, handmade fish artwork. Both 2D and 3D submissions are welcome.
- Tell Its Story – Students in 4th grade and above submit a one-page creative writing piece inspired by their research.
- Submit Online – Entries must be uploaded through the Fish Art Contest entry form by February 28, 2026.
Parents and educators are encouraged to act quickly and get students hooked on fishing, nature, and conservation through the arts. Participants are eligible for state and national recognition, as well as prizes from contest sponsors.
Contest resources, guidelines, and entry forms are available at www.FishArt.org.