Fishing Under the Radar

May 1, 2016

Written by Liz Thompson

Winners of the 2016 Science Without Borders® Challenge

The 2016 Science Without Borders® Challenge asked students to explore the impact of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. This harmful practice threatens global fish populations, disrupts marine ecosystems, and undermines the livelihoods of coastal communities. Through their artwork, students illustrated the consequences of IUU fishing, helping to raise awareness about its effects on both marine life and the people who depend on sustainable fisheries.

This year’s competition saw over 160 entries from students in 18 countries, each offering a unique artistic interpretation of the theme. By researching IUU fishing, students gained a deeper understanding of its environmental and economic impacts. Their artwork not only demonstrated artistic talent but also reflected their ability to communicate important conservation messages through visual storytelling.

The Science Without Borders® Challenge continues to inspire young artists to engage with critical ocean conservation issues. By participating, students become advocates for marine protection, using creativity to spark conversations about the need for sustainable fishing practices.

Middle School Winners & Finalists:

"Fishing Disaster" by Supratik Das, Age 14, India

"Grief" by Alexandra Jin, Age 14, British Columbia, Canada

"We Protect Our Oceans Resource" by Dharunigsa Naguleshwaran, Age 11, Sri Lanka

"Mother Earth, I Can, I Care" by Ainer Padrigo, Age 13, Phillipines

"Untitled" by Antariksha Sethiya, Age 12, India

"Trapped Tuna" by Cristen Jian Gadicho, Age 13, Hawaii, USA

"Safety and Freedom in the Sea" by Eddie Maza, Age 12, New York, USA

"Pirate Fishing Under the Radar" by Jiaying Zhug, Age 11, Ontario, Canada

"Undiscovered Pirate" by Katherine Wu, California, USA

"S.O.S." by Veronika Matkovska, Age 14, Ukraine

High School Winners & Finalists:

“What Goes On Your Plate” by Ruofei Rao, Age 17, New Zealand

“Bled Out Depths” by Stephanie Tian, Age 16, Georgia

“Hurting Nature is Hurting Us As Well” by Yeon Soo Park, Age 16, South Korea

“What’s in an IUU Fishers’ Net?” by Ashley Ayeri, Age 15, Virginia

“Stolen Fish” by Clio Smith, Age 15, California

“Blood Money” by Maggie Horlacher, Age 16, Montana

“Help Me Save the World” by Nurul Eeman Mansor, Age 17, Malaysia

“The Suffocating Stab” by Patricia Wang, Age 15, California

“Fishy Business” by Tori Qiu, Age 16, Nebraska

“S.O.S.” by Veronika Rozsa, Age 15, Hungary

Connecting People, Art, and Oceans: Championing Conservation at the 2025 IUCN Congress

The IUCN World Conservation Congress brings together thousands of leaders and decision-makers from governments, non-profit organizations, civil society, Indigenous groups, and the private sector to shape global conservation policy and action. This influential gathering serves as a platform to share knowledge, build partnerships, and advance initiatives that protect our planet’s biodiversity.

As a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was honored to take part in the Congress, joining a global community of leaders, organizations, and changemakers committed to protecting nature and advancing sustainable futures.

Take the Pledge to Navigate with Care

Every voyage leaves a mark. Whether you’re steering a small recreational boat, running a dive operation, or captaining a commercial vessel, the way you navigate the seas matters—not just for your safety, but for the health of our oceans. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, in partnership with the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), launched the Navigate with Care campaign to help mariners around the world protect what matters most: our safety, our vessels, and the marine ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

Winners of the 2016 Science Without Borders® Challenge

Middle School Winners & Finalists:

High School Winners & Finalists:

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Connecting People, Art, and Oceans: Championing Conservation at the 2025 IUCN Congress

Take the Pledge to Navigate with Care