FWC to host statewide “fish art” contest

A mahi-mahi created by last year’s seventh-ninth grade, first place saltwater winner, Penelope Horwitz [Courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission].

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has opened its annual Fish Art Contest for students from kindergarten to 12^th grade.

Students can participate in the contest by submitting one original piece of artwork featuring any fish that is native to Florida, either in the freshwater or saltwater category.

Contestants must also fill out an entry form and submit a piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about their chosen fish species.

“The Florida Native Fish Award is an amazing opportunity to introduce students to some of Florida’s most iconic native fish species in a fun and creative way,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood in a press release. “This award helps connect Florida’s students to the fish species that help make Florida the Fishing Capital of the World, which is critical in inspiring the next generation of fisheries resource stewards.”

One first-place winner and one runner-up will be selected for each grade bracket of kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and 10th through 12th grade. One first-place winner will be selected for best freshwater fish illustration and another for best saltwater fish illustration.

All first-place winners will then advance to a national competition.

Entries must be created with traditional mediums, as no digital art is allowed.

The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2024.

Submissions can be made at wildlifeforever.org.