Winners of the 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge
The 2025 Science Without Borders® Challenge invited young artists from across the globe to create artwork highlighting species that play a critical role in maintaining the structure and health of ocean ecosystems with the theme, “Marine Keystone Species.” This theme encouraged students to illustrate 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 piece a unique interpretation of a marine keystone species, from sea otters and mangroves to corals and sharks. These species may not always be the most numerous or well-known, but they have an outsized impact on their environment. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity, balance food webs, and support ecosystem resilience. If a keystone species is removed, the entire ecosystem could shift dramatically or collapse. Through their art, students explored these complex ecological relationships and made a compelling case for ocean conservation.
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. Prepare to be inspired by their imaginative interpretations and powerful messages about protecting the species that keep our ocean in balance. We are proud to showcase the 2025 Challenge winners, whose art encourages us to appreciate the species that keep our oceans healthy and in balance.
Winners & Finalists Ages 11-14:
1st Place (11-14 years old): "Melting Grounds" by Gia Kim, Age 12, United States of America
ARTIST STATEMENT: This artwork describes the Antarctic krill fleeing their iceberg habitat that’s melting underwater. Antarctic krill are known as a keystone species because of their wide food chain, which many marine animals (including us) eat in the Antarctic Ocean. However, their numbers are decreasing because of sea ice loss, which causes them to lose their habitat.
Winners & Finalists Ages 15-19:
"Seal's Fate" by Gianna Zhang, Age 17, United States of America
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: My artwork depicts the Orca/Killer whale, a powerful marine keystone species, as it preys on a seal along a rugged shoreline. Orcas are known for their cruel, almost murderous nature, as they prey on large mammals like seals, dolphins, and even each other. Without their presence, prey populations could grow unchecked, leading to collapses of fish, squid, and crustacean populations -- resources vital to many other organisms in ocean food chains. This piece captures the intensity and overlooked intelligence of orca predation, as it highlights the technique of intentional stranding, a hunting strategy demonstrating remarkable adaptability. The composition itself -- with the Orca looming in the background, fixated on a terrified seal -- showcases the predator's eerie presence, its essential ecological role, and the foreshadowed fate of the prey. By showcasing/choosing this apex predator, my artwork aims to emphasize the Orca's impact as a keystone species in balancing marine ecosystems.
