New Mexico Fish Art Contest

New Mexico Fish Art Contest 2027 – “The Art of Conservation”

All students in grades K-12 are invited to submit artwork highlighting fish species found in New Mexico. Entries must be scanned and then entered using the online entry form.

The contest includes divisions for grades K, 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. The top-three finishers in each division will proceed to the National Fish Art Contest, sponsored by Wildlife Forever. Other categories include the Invader Crusader Award, for artwork featuring a native and invasive aquatic species found in the student’s local area; the Mighty Minnow Award, for kindergarten participants; the New Mexico Native Trout Award, for artwork highlighting New Mexico’s native trout species — Gila trout or Rio Grande cutthroat trout; and the New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need Award, for artwork that best represents species identified by the Department as being most at risk and in need of proactive conservation.

Entries will be judged by a panel in March.

1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be given out for the following grade categories:

Kindergarten • 1-3 • 4-6 • 7-9 • 10-12

Fish Species: Fish found in New Mexico only. A list of fish can be found below.

NEW THIS YEAR!! Submissions can be either digital or traditional 2D art. AI-generated or AI-modified is NOT allowed. All Digital submissions must include 3 progress photos or 1 timelapse video. Please see contest Rules & Guidelines for details.

Submission Process: All entries must be scanned and uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork.

Entry Deadline: February 28, 2027

Additional Awards Available:

i. Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student’s local area (all aquatic species).

ii. Mighty Minnow Award: celebrates kindergarten participants.

iii. New Mexico Native Trout Award: Celebrating outstanding artwork that highlights New Mexico’s unique native trout species, Gila trout or Rio Grande Cutthroat trout, symbols of our state’s wild waters and conservation heritage. This award honors creativity that captures the beauty, biology and spirit of native trout found only in our mountain streams.

iv. New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need: This award recognizes artwork that best represents New Mexico’s fish listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) — animals identified by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish as being most at risk and in need of proactive conservation. These species depend on healthy habitats and dedicated stewardship to thrive. The winning piece will highlight the importance of protecting New Mexico’s diverse and vulnerable wildlife. A list of SGCN fish can be found below.

Questions? Contact Matty Gonzales – dgf-aquaticed@dgf.nm.gov

Click image to see entire list