Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and conservation! The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is thrilled to announce the finalists of the Science Without Borders® Challenge. This year’s theme, “Marine Keystone Species,” invited young artists from across the globe to explore the critical roles these species play in shaping and sustaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
We were amazed by the response—more than 1,300 entries from 75 countries poured in, each a powerful testament to students’ talent and environmental awareness worldwide. These stunning artworks showcase diverse marine life, from foundational species at the base of the food web and grazers to apex predators and ecosystem engineers.
Every submission brought a unique voice to the conversation about marine keystone species. Most artists focused on a single species’ essential role, keeping its ecosystem healthy, while others portrayed a variety of marine keystone species. After much thoughtful consideration, our panel of judges selected a group of finalists whose pieces stood out for their creativity, originality, and strong connection to this year’s theme.
We can’t wait for you to see what these young artists have created. So, without further ado, we proudly present the finalists in the Ages 11–14 category of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge. Prepare to be inspired by their imaginative interpretations and powerful messages about protecting the species that keep our ocean in balance.
11-14 Year-Old Finalists
"⭐︎Lobstar⭐︎" by Lisa Tamada, Age 13, Japan
ARTIST STATEMENT: Each tiny dot in my painting symbolizes how every small action that we need to take can ensure the health of the ocean and its inhabitants, including lobsters (which are my favorite species!) I also wanted to express how lobsters, like all creatures, are a result of countless small interactions over millions of years. In a way, it is a miracle that lobsters exist today. Therefore, the dots represent a journey, both in the past and the future, that have led and will lead marine life to thrive in such a diverse and beautiful way. I painted a lobster by just using dots to show how important lobsters are in marine ecosystems. Lobsters are keystone species because they help maintain the balance in the ocean by feeding other animals and digging the seafloor. My dot art represents how every small action contributes to the bigger picture of the ecosystem’s health.
