World Fish Migration Day is coming up on May 21, 2022! From New Zealand to Hawaii, WFMD inspires action and connects people to the rushing rivers and fascinating migratory fish that sustain us and the planet. 

 

For the past 3 years, Wildlife Forever has collaborated with the World Fish Migration Foundation to host the Migratory Fish award, in which children from all corners of the globe submit drawings of their favorite freshwater fish. This contest helps youth of all ages connect to the natural world, and teaches the artist and those around them about the importance of free flowing rivers and migratory fish!

 

This time, however, we’re not sticking to conventions. That’s why for the 2022 fish art contest, we are “Breaking Free” from the page, and hosting Fish Flag awards! This is a fantastic way to show us your creativity, your art skills, and your love of fish and rivers. Ready to learn more?

Join the Contest!

Why are Migratory Fish Important?

Why are Migratory Fish Important?

Migratory fish are culturally, recreationally, ecologically, and economically important! Billions of people around the world depend on them for food, sport, research and intrigue. However, many migratory fish species are critically endangered or threatened thanks in large part to man-made barriers that block their natural migration routes. These extraordinary creatures, some of which travel up to 10,000 km in a lifetime, are often overlooked!  The more we can help people connect to migratory fish and the rivers that sustain them (and us!) the better chance we have of bringing back healthy rivers full of fish.

Why Fish Flags?

Why Fish Flags?

If you love migratory fish and rivers, let the world know! Flags are a visible, dynamic way to catch people’s attention and share the message of saving migratory fish in rivers with those around us. How amazing will it be to see your fish flag, along with thousands of others around the world, flying on World Fish Migration Day?

Rules

  • Create a flag depicting a migratory fish of your choice. It could be a salmon, an eel, a sturgeon, etc. Here are a couple lists of well known migratory fish species which migrate in rivers around the world. Make sure it is a migratory fish that lives in rivers at some point in its life! For more resources, scroll to the bottom of this page.
  • Any and all materials are accepted for this contest. Fish flags can be made out of cloth, paper, trash from your local river, or a combination of materials. The options are endless!
  • Submissions will be judged in two age categories: 5-12, and 13-18. Each category will have a first, second and third place winner. Make sure to mark the correct age category on the submission form!
  • Submit two photos of your flag: The first should be a picture showing the flag lying on a flat surface, and the second should show your flag in action or waving in the wind! Make sure that we can clearly see your fish flag.
  • Recommended: Go beyond the flag! Help others learn about the importance of fish and rivers using your art. We encourage you to do something special with your flag on World Fish Migration Day. Host an event, hang your flag by a river or your school and take a picture, teach your friends how to make the flags and hang them outside, pick up trash… the ideas are endless! For more information and ideas go to worldfishmigrationday.com and share your flags on social media with the hashtags #worldfishmigrationday #fishflags. For even more ideas of how to get involved on WFMD, check out the Participants Guide.

Flags will be judged based on these criteria:

  • Creativity
  • Use of materials
  • Connection to fish and rivers

The Live Event

On World Fish Migration Day, we will host an exciting live show broadcast from the USA, Portugal and the Netherlands! During this live show, we’ll hear from our international panel of judges, and announce the contest winners! Keep an eye out for a special invitation for all participants of the Fish Flag contest.

Prizes

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from both age divisions will receive a Happy Fish Statue from the World Fish Migration Foundation.

Key Dates

Contest Opens: January 19, 2022

Submissions Close: April 21, 2022

Winners Announced and Live Show: May 21st, 2022 (World Fish Migration Day!)

We encourage you to stay connected and stay involved! Follow @fishmigration on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe to our newsletters to stay up to date on the contest and other fishy news!

Join the Contest!

Congratulations to the 2021 Winners

World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) culminates every two years in a global celebration to create awareness about the importance of migratory fish and free-flowing rivers. This international day of events is coordinated by the World Fish Migration Foundation. On World Fish Migration Day, organizations from around the world coordinate their own event around the common theme of: CONNECTING FISH, RIVERS AND PEOPLE. And this year it’s all about breaking free. Learn more about WFMD at www.worldfishmigrationday.com

Resources

Swimways Poster

Sea to Source Book

Fish Base

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