Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Photo Contest

As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council is inviting photographers of all skill levels to participate in our first photo contest.

Whether you are a professional photographer, a commercial fisherman, or a weekend angler, your photos can help tell the story of our region's vibrant and productive marine fisheries.

We are looking for compelling images that capture the many dimensions of marine fisheries in the Mid-Atlantic, including:

  • Commercial and Recreational Fishing: Action shots on the water, especially those featuring Council-managed species.

  • Vessels & Gear: The tools of the trade, from fishing vessels to rods and nets.

  • Marine Life & Habitat: Fish, invertebrates, and the underwater or coastal environments they call home.

  • Science & Research: Data collection and fisheries science in action.

  • Coastal Communities: Working waterfronts, seafood processing, and dockside life.

Selected entries will be featured in a photo gallery on our 50th anniversary webpage, displayed in the Council’s office in Dover, Delaware, and used in future Council communications and outreach materials (with appropriate photographer credit).

How to Enter

  • Submit your photos using the Photo Entry and Release Form.

  • Each photographer may submit up to 10 photos. A separate entry form is required for each individual photo submission.

  • All images must include the photographer's name and email address and a short description of when and where the photo was taken and what is shown in the photo. Please include the species names of animals if known.

  • Photos must be taken in the Mid-Atlantic region (New York through North Carolina) or, if taken elsewhere, depict fishing activities related to Council-managed species.

  • If you are unable to submit via the form, send all information and photos to msabo@mafmc.org.

The deadline for entry is Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET

Photo Entry and Release Form

Contest Rules

  1. Content: Photos must be taken in the Mid-Atlantic region (New York through North Carolina) or, if taken elsewhere, depict fishing activities related to Council-managed species. Photo submissions must not contain inappropriate, indecent, obscene or unlawful content.

  2. Eligibility: This contest is open to both professional and amateur photographers. Photographers must be at least 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry.

  3. Format: All entries must be submitted in digital format (.jpeg, .jpg, .tiff, or .png). High resolution photos are preferred.

  4. Originality: Submissions must be the original work of the entrant. We will assume that, in submitting a photo, you are the owner of the photo and no copyright and/or trademark infringement rights have been violated.

  5. Permissions: If your photograph includes identifiable individuals, you are responsible for obtaining their permission to submit the image and to allow its use. If a minor (under age 18) is identifiable in the image, you must obtain written consent from the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

  6. Photo Usage: By submitting a photo, you are granting the Council a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the photo for other purposes, such as on our website and in other communications and outreach materials. We will provide credit to photographers whenever we use any of the photos. These photos are not for sale and are not for commercial use unless prior permission is arranged. Photographers retain ownership of their images.

  7. Caption: All images must include the photographer's name and email address and a short description of when and where the photo was taken and what is shown in the photo. Submissions without this information will not be considered.

  8. Photo Editing: Minor adjustments for color correction and cropping are allowed. However, AI-generated or heavily manipulated images are not permitted. 

  9. Maximum Entries: Please limit the total number of your photo submissions to 10 entries. Additional photos will be disqualified if photographer submits more than 10 total images.

  10. Submission Deadline: Entries must be submitted by Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Contact

Mary Sabo - msabo@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5261