FWC hosts the Florida State Fish Art Contest

The annual Fish Art Contest is now open! Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can create an original piece of art and compete in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors and awards.

In partnership with Wildlife Forever, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is pleased to announce the second annual Florida Native Fish Award category! This state specialty award is an additional award to the National Fish Art Contest for which participating students will qualify by submitting native Florida species from the selected list below. The goal of the Florida Native Fish Award is to celebrate native fish species in Florida’s inland and marine waters.

“The Florida Native Fish Award is a wonderful opportunity to introduce students to some of Florida’s most popular native fish species in a fun and innovative way,” he said. FWC Commissioner Sonia Rudd. “This award helps connect Florida students to the fish species that help make Florida the fishing capital of the world, which is critical in inspiring the next generation of fishery resource stewards.”

One first place winner and one runner-up will be selected for each category (Kindergarten to 3rd grade, 4th to 6th grade, 7th to 9th grade, and 10th to 12th grade), one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for best freshwater fish species. Salt water. Digital artwork will not be accepted this year, and all pieces submitted must be made using traditional media. All first place winners will advance to the national competition to be judged for grand prizes, such as the Best of Show award. The deadline to enter is February 28, 2024, so start designing!

To enter, Florida students must submit their entry to Wildlife Forever – Florida Art, which consists of the following:

• An original piece of physical artwork displaying any fish including one or more of the following native Florida species of the same category:

• • Category 1 – Freshwater: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Red Sunfish, Spotted Sunfish, Catfish, Florida Gar, Chain Pickerel, Bowfin

• • Category 2 – Saltwater: Snook, Redfish, Trout, Flounder, Tarpon, Mahi Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Pigfish, Queen Snapper, Black Grouper

• A piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, on the chosen genre (required for grades 4-12).

• Florida State Fish Art Contest Entry Form.

Note: Digital artwork will not be accepted this year, and all pieces submitted must be created using traditional media.

Florida Awards:

• First place winners in the 10-12 grade category will receive 10 t-shirts printed with their artwork to give away to family and friends from our partner The Florida Nomad and the t-shirts will also be available for sale on their website.

• The two first-place winners in each category will have their artwork featured in the FWC’s freshwater or saltwater regulations guide.

• The work of all first place winners will be on display at FWC headquarters in Tallahassee.