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This year’s theme highlights the Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative, a statewide project to map and explore the underwater landscapes along Florida’s coast.   

Using tools like sonar and LiDAR, scientists are creating detailed maps of the seafloor — the part of the ocean floor just offshore. These maps help researchers understand underwater habitats, marine life and natural features that shape Florida’s coast.

So far, scientists have discovered fascinating features beneath the waves, including ancient river channels, offshore sand resources and coral reefs in deeper waters that were previously unknown to science. Learning more about the seafloor helps protect Florida’s environment and supports smarter decisions about restoring beaches, protecting marine habitats and strengthening Florida’s coastline.

What might scientists discover while mapping Florida’s seafloor?

Enter Now: Create artwork showing the hidden landscapes, marine life and underwater discoveries that could exist beneath Florida’s waves. 

Students in grades 4-12 may submit original drawings, paintings or digital artwork using any medium that highlights the Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative. Winning students will be selected from each age group (grades 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12) within each of DEP’s six district regions. District winners will receive an Aquatic Preserves reusable water bottle and advance to a statewide competition. One statewide grand prize winner will receive a full-size printed poster of their artwork. The poster contest officially launches April 1, and all submissions are due April 22, 2026.

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Did You Know?

Florida is mapping its seafloor at a scale never done before.

The Florida Seafloor Mapping Initiative is creating the most complete modern maps of Florida’s coastal waters ever produced.

Scientists recently discovered new deepwater coral reefs.

These reefs are located far offshore in Northwest Florida and exist outside the well-known coral reef system along Florida’s Atlantic coast.

The seafloor holds clues about Florida’s past.

Mapping has revealed ancient shorelines and buried river channels that formed thousands of years ago.

Florida’s waters contain more than 1,000 known shipwrecks.

Some date back to Spanish exploration hundreds of years ago.

Practice Earth Day Every Day

Small actions can make a big difference. This Earth Day, consider ways to help protect Florida’s land and waters all year long:

• Try DEP’s Earth Day Bingo Card.
• Find Florida State Parks volunteer opportunities.
• Get Involved! Find Florida Aquatic Preserves volunteer opportunities.
• Practice Florida-Friendly Landscaping™.
• Sign the pledge and Rethink.Reset.Recycle.

• Practice clean boating habits and use a Clean Marina for boating needs.
• Increase awareness of Florida's natural resources by exploringFlorida State Parks, Aquatic Preserves and National Estuarine Research Reserves.