The Sportfishing Conservancy and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries announced the winning photographs and young anglers selected to receive Guy Harvey Youth Scholarship Awards as part of the Sanctuary Classic.

Five young anglers will receive $1,000 awards from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation for photographs that were submitted during this summer-long photo contest.

“The goal behind the Sanctuary Classic is an important and lasting one — to encourage people, and families in particular, to get out of doors and enjoy our nation’s network of marine sanctuaries,” marine artist and conservationist Guy Harvey said in a statement. “We’ve always been proud to support this unique event and to help honor our next generation of conservation-minded anglers.”

A panel of three judges — IMAX film pioneer Barbara MacGilivray, Hawaiian Fishing television host Ben Wong and Guy Harvey — evaluated a variety of fishing photos submitted from marine sanctuaries and adjacent waters.

“Through this event, we want to raise awareness of the fact that the vast majority of our country’s national marine sanctuaries are open to recreational fishing,” said Tom Raftican of The Sportfishing Conservancy. “These areas provide great opportunities for American families to enjoy fishing and share time together. It’s through activities like these that appreciation for our natural resources and a conservation ethic can be passed from one generation to the next.”

The winners:

  • Asher Encinas: “Most Unique Looking Fish” for his photo of a copper rockfish caught in California’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
  • Aiden Austin: “Smallest Fish” for his photo of a snapper caught in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
  • Damian Becquer : “Guy Harvey Spirit” for his photo of a mangrove snapper caught while wearing his Guy Harvey shirt
  • Bryce Churchill: “Best Conservation Message” for his photo of a white papio caught in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
  • Nikko Pappas: “Biggest Fish” for his photo of a red snapper caught while fishing in the National Marine Sanctuary off the east coast of Florida