Celebrating Art and Wildlife Conservation
The Vital World of Oceans
Every day, dozens of marine species face extinction due to human impacts like overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Oceans cover 71% of Earth’s surface and are home to about 2.2 million species—roughly 25% of all known life—while 91% of marine species remain undescribed. They produce nearly half of the world’s oxygen, regulate climate, and support ecosystems vital to life. By celebrating and illustrating ocean life, we can help raise awareness and inspire action to protect these vital creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.
THE VANISHING POINT:
MARINE SPECIES ART CONTEST
The Vanishing Point invites young artists worldwide to participate in this international competition, dedicated to raising awareness about endangered species. This contest is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, including those enrolled in primary or secondary schools or the home-school equivalent. College and university students are not eligible to participate.
Participants will be judged in four grade categories, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners recognized in each group:
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Grades K-2
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Grades 3-5
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Grades 6-8
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Grades 9-12
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Dive into your imagination, explore the wonders of the ocean, and make a splash for marine species!
The 2025 Vanishing Point Art Contest
*Please review the rules and guidelines thoroughly before entering the competition.
Pelagic Fish
Pelagic fish live in the open ocean, far from the coast or sea floor, and include a diverse range of species adapted to life in deep, open waters. This group encompasses large predators like tuna and marlin, fast-swimming schooling fish such as mackerel and herring, and migratory species like swordfish and salmon. These fish play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems, supporting both marine food webs and global fisheries.
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are ancient marine reptiles that have roamed the oceans for over 100 million years. They include species such as the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii). These turtles inhabit tropical and subtropical waters and play key roles in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. Despite their importance, many species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and fishing activities.
Whales & Dolphins
Whales and dolphins are marine mammals known for their intelligence, social behavior, and long migrations. This group includes species such as the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), orca (Orcinus orca), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris). They play vital roles in ocean ecosystems by regulating food webs and nutrient cycles, yet many species face threats from pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are vibrant marine ecosystems that support an extraordinary diversity of life. They are home to reef-building corals as well as countless species of fish such as clownfish (Amphiprioninae), damselfish (Pomacentridae), parrotfish (Scaridae), and butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae). These underwater cities dazzle with color and activity, creating a dynamic, interconnected world that inspires wonder and curiosity in anyone who explores their nooks and crannies.
Crustaceans
Cephalopods are highly intelligent mollusks that include octopuses (Octopoda), squids (Teuthida), cuttlefish (Sepiida), and nautiluses (Nautilida). They are known for their complex behaviors, remarkable camouflage, and rapid, agile movements. With their ever-changing colors, shape-shifting bodies, and clever problem-solving abilities, cephalopods are among the most fascinating and mysterious creatures of the ocean.
Sharks
Sharks are a diverse group of cartilaginous fish that have existed for over 400 million years. They include species such as the great white (Carcharodon carcharias), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), hammerhead (Sphyrnidae), and whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Sharks play a critical role as top predators in marine ecosystems, helping maintain the balance of ocean food webs. Many species are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution.”
Cephalopods
Cephalopods are highly intelligent mollusks that include octopuses (Octopoda), squids (Teuthida), cuttlefish (Sepiida), and nautiluses (Nautilida). They are known for their complex behaviors, remarkable camouflage, and rapid, agile movements. These animals captivate scientists and ocean enthusiasts alike with their problem-solving skills, color-changing displays, and astonishing adaptability in the deep sea.