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:
"Interconnected" by Alaina Swartzlander, Age 16, United States of America
ARTIST'S STATEMENT: I chose to include several keystone species such as krill, coral, sea otters, sharks, mangroves, starfish, mangrove crabs, oysters, and parrotfish. Because of the ocean’s interconnectivity, losing even one species has a dramatic effect. Though coral reefs and mangroves are often thought of first as keystone species as they provide crucial habi-tat, others are equally important. I incorporated some lesser-known species, such as oys-ters that filter water and krill that serve as a vital food source for myriad organisms, to reflect the diversity in marine keystone species. By representing multiple organisms critical to the ocean ecosystem’s health, from the well-known sea otter to the undervalued krill, I hope to portray their equal importance in the food web. Protecting the ocean as a whole, with efforts to conserve all species regardless of popularity or prominence, is important for the contin-uation of biodiversity and a healthy world.
