New Mexico Fish Art Contest – “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.
Entries will be judged by a panel in March. 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be given out for the following grade categories:
K-3 • 4-6 • 7-9 • 10-12
Fish Species: Fish found in New Mexico only. A list of fish can be found below.
Submission Process: All entries must be scanned and uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork.
Entry Deadline: January 31, 2026
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.
v. Outdoor Show Fan Favorites: All submitted artwork will be displayed at the New Mexico Outdoor Adventures Show on Feb 13-15, 2026 held at Expo New Mexico in Albuquerque. Outdoor Adventure Show attendees will be able to cast their votes, and a ‘Fan Favorite’ for each grade category will be given out. NOTE: This is not the official judging event. Official judging will take place in March.
Questions? Contact Curt Coffman – dgf-aquaticed@dgf.nm.gov
Click image to see entire list
Click image to see entire list
Enter the Art of Conservation Fish Contest.
(Please include Submission Year, Student Name, and Grade Level)
