NOAA Fisheries is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Share the Shore & Sea Youth Art Contest! More than 250 students from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawai‘i, and the continental United States submitted entries. Their art projects helped raise awareness about responsible wildlife viewing in the Pacific Islands region.
The budding artists highlighted one or more protected species, encouraging us to appreciate them from afar:
- Whales (100 yards)
- Dolphins (50 yards)
- Sea turtles (10 feet)
- Hawaiian monk seals (50 feet, 150 feet for mom and pup pairs)
- Corals (no touching or standing on)
The artists showed their creativity not just in the scenes they created, but also in the materials they used. Many students stuck to classic materials like pencil, crayon, and ink, while others branched out into watercolor and oil pastels. One 2nd grade student even incorporated seeds and seed pods into their masterpiece!
A diverse team of scientists, resource managers, communicators, digital media specialists, and others took on the art-judging task. They rated each piece of art based on three components:
- Connection to the Share the Shore and Sea theme
- Technique or quality of work
- Originality or creativity
“I was really impressed with a lot of the entries I reviewed,” said Joey Bennington-Castro, senior science writer with Lynker at the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office. “These students did not make judging easy for us!”
Winning art will be featured in the 2023 NOAA Share the Shore & Sea digital calendar. Students will enjoy a virtual visit and awards presentation with NOAA marine scientists this summer.
Enjoy student art and #SharetheShore with us all week on Facebook and Twitter as we head outside to enjoy Memorial Day weekend!
2022 Share the Shore & Sea Contest Winners
Grades K-2
Winning Entries
- Help Dolphins by Ji Yu K., Grade 1, Hawai‘i
- Have a great day! And have fun! But do not go too close to them by Lia K., Grade 1, Hawai‘i
- Stay 300 Feet Away to Enjoy by Quentin L., Grade 1, Hawai‘i
Honorable Mention
Gibbs A., Etuale A., Luke B., Aileen K., Gina K., Skyla M., Nel O., Ashey T., Praylee Ann S., Fiona Y.
Grades 3-5
Winning Entries
- Enjoying nature from a distance by Skylar M., Grade 4, American Samoa
- 100 yards of Aloha by Koa S., Grade 3, Hawai‘i
- Admire me from a distance by Lily Y., Grade 3, Hawai‘i
Honorable Mention
Selina S., Victoria H., Minato T., Aleizah N., Brielle V., Rixey P., Raiden T., Royce A., Tiresa K.
Grades 6-8
Winning Entries
- Whale watching by Asa P., Grade 8, Hawai‘i
- Looking out for you by Fiona Z., Grade 7, CNMI
- Just agree to let them be by Bella T., Grade 6, Hawai‘i
Honorable Mention
Isabella A., Kamara C., Aria G., Rylie G., Kaili H., Kianaonalani M., Gwanhun S., Beckett S., Sayema S., Caitlin Y.
Grades 9-12
Winning Entries
- Sea Turtle by Mary C., Grade 9, American Samoa
- Protect the Wildlife by Watching from a Distance by Sophia W., Grade 11, CNMI
- Beauty comes from a distance by Esther W., Grade 11, CNMI
Honorable Mention
Joymer C., Kristen C., Maia C., Fei Fei L., Isdore N., Claire P
