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4-H LogoFlorida 4-H

AQUATIC & MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

The 4-H State Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems Contest offers youth a unique opportunity to explore Florida’s aquatic ecosystems and species, with the 2025 theme focusing on “Responsible Angling.” Open to Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors, the contest challenges participants through five core sections, with Seniors tackling an additional section. Each county can send up to two teams and two individual competitors per age group. In addition to the main event, participants can engage in a spring clinic to practice in mock contests and connect with aquatic professionals, as well as showcase their creativity in the Recycled Art Contest, submitting digital artwork inspired by the contest theme. This exciting, hands-on event encourages environmental stewardship and helps youth develop valuable knowledge and skills for the future.

This is more than just a competition—it's a chance for youth to learn, connect, and contribute to the preservation of Florida’s aquatic ecosystems while developing valuable skills that will last a lifetime.

Ready to make a splash? Join us in the 2025 4-H State Aquatic and Marine Ecosystems Contest and become part of Florida’s next generation of ocean stewards!

  • Key Information
    Key Information  
    Who

    4-H Members - Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors 

    Cloverbuds can participate in the Recycled Art Contest
    When November 22, 2025 
    Where

    4-H Camp Timpoochee |

    4750 Timpoochee Ln. Niceville, FL. 32578.

    Please note, Timpoochee is located in the Central Standard Time Zone. 
    Event

    Check in starts at 8:30 AM CST

    Contest starts at 9:00 AM CST

    Awards at 2:30 PM EST

    Event ends at 3:00 PM EST
    Cost

    $10 per person. No charge for Cloverbuds participating in the Recycled Art Contest
    Registration

    Will open in 4-H Online on July 1, 2025 and closes November 7, 2025
    Lodging For those traveling to the panhandle from further regions of the state, some cabin lodging will be available onsite at 4-H Camp Timpoochee for an additional fee. Furthermore, a block of rooms will be set aside at a local hotel for those in need of accommodation. More information to come. 
    Contact

    Program Content | Clari Norden, cnorden@ufl.edu

    Registration | 4hevents@ifas.ufl.edu
  • Section 1: Aquatic and Marine Ecosystem Connections

    Study guides, sample score sheets, and resources to come.

  • Section 2: Wetland Ecosystems- Freshwater Marshes and Swamps

    Study guides, sample score sheets, and resources to come.

  • Section 3: Aquatic Ecosystems Lakes, Springs and Rivers

    Study guides, sample score sheets, and resources to come.

  • Section 4: Coastal Ecosystems- Beach, Estuary, Marsh and Swamp

    Study guides, sample score sheets, and resources to come.

  • Section 5: Marine Ecosystems- Coral Reef and Open Ocean

    Study guides, sample score sheets, and resources to come.

  • Section 6: Responsible Angling related project- SENIORS ONLY

    Project guidelines, rubrics, and resources to come.