The 15th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate. The 2026 theme is Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us, encouraging students to explore the many ways our ocean sustains, protects, and inspires us.
Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs
Ocean Awareness Contest
OpenScienceEnvironmentCompetition
About the Program
Eligibility
This is an international Contest open to students enrolled in middle school or high school (or the homeschool equivalent). Entries must be the students’ original work, created during the 2025-26 academic year, and cannot contain AI-generated content. Entries must be submitted in English or have an English translation. Students can participate individually or as a group of unlimited size. All participants must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, guardian, mentor, or other supporting adult). Ages 11-18. Students ages 11-14 enter the Junior Division, and ages 15-18 enter the Senior Division. Age is based on age at the time of entry. Students who have started college or university are not eligible. Participants under 13 require a COPPA Parent/Guardian Consent Form. Enrolled in middle school or high school (or the homeschool equivalent).
Eligible Countries
citizenship, residency permanent, high school in: Worldwide🌎
How to Apply
Students must create an account and submit their work through the online system by the Contest deadline. Submissions via email or physical mail are not accepted.