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:
"The Sea's Yggdrasil" by Daniel Yu, Age 17, United States of America
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: Mangrove trees are not just plants; they are foundation species that create and sustain entire marine habitats. Their complex root systems serve as nurseries for a wide range of marine life, including the Aratus pisonii and goldfishes depicted in my artwork. Mangroves play a crucial ecological role by stabilizing coastlines, preventing erosion, and filtering pollutants from the water, protecting the health of surrounding marine ecosystems. Many creatures rely on mangrove forests as a safe haven during their juvenile stages before venturing into open waters. These intricate webs of roots are teeming with life such as small fish, mollusks, and juvenile sharks, supporting biodiversity and food chains in tropical and subtropical waters. I conveyed this complexity by layering tangled roots in the foreground with bold textures, while those in the background fade into cool blues. Without this keystone species, biodiversity in the oceans would drastically decline and coastal ecosystems would collapse.
