The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) is organizing a nonnative freshwater fishing tournament for Invasive Species Week.
The objectives of the Nonnative Fish Catch, Click and Submit Contest are: 1) to document the distribution of nonnative fish in Florida using angler-caught fish that are photographed and reported to ECISMA through the EDDMaps reporting system, 2) to increase public awareness of the potential negative impacts of releasing nonnative fish into Florida waters, and 3) to encourage anglers to target nonnative species for consumption. Learn more by clicking here.
Rules and Regulations
Registration: All anglers must register with EDDMaps.org to submit photographs and catch data.
2015 Nonnative Fish Catch, Click and Submit Contest Start/Stop: The 2015 Nonnative Fish Catch, Click and Submit Contest begins at 6:00 am Saturday, February 21, 2015 and all entries must be received by 12:00 am Sunday, March 1st, 2015. All EDDMap submissions must be complete with catch location and picture to be considered.
Boundaries: The boundaries are all legal freshwater fishing areas in the State of Florida.
Prizes: (Prizes will be announced on March 28th, 2015) Prizes will be given for the most nonnative fish species and for the most unusual nonnative fish catch.
Category
Most Unusual Catch – Adult
First Prize – $75 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Most Species – Adult
First Prize – $75 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Most Unusual Catch – Youth
First Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $15 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Most Species – Youth
First Prize – $50 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Second Prize – $25 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
Third Prize – $15 gift certificate to Bass Pro Shop and Lionfish Be the Predator T-shirt
State and Federal Regulations: All fish must be caught in compliance with all State of Florida regulations (see www.myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/ or visit a local bait and tackle shop) and only within legal fishing areas. Native fish are not eligible for consideration. Miccosukee and Seminole Indians may harvest nonnative fish with traditional methods.
The 1st Annual Statewide Nonnative Fish Catch, Click and Submit Contest is being held during the National Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 22-28, 2015. However, submissions of non-native fish (or other non-native species) can be made anytime through EDDMapS.