Non-native Fishing Tourney Nets Invasives

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center hosted the weigh in for the fifth annual Everglades and Southwest Florida Chapters of CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) Non-Native Fish Round Up/Tournament.

Participants caught 115 non-native fish, representing six species and totaling 80 pounds (36 kg). Most of the non-native fish collected were given to the Conservancy von Arx Wildlife Hospital to help feed rehabilitating native wildlife. For the official results of the roundup, visit www.evergladescisma.org/roundup/.

The Everglades and Southwest Florida Chapters of CISMA hosted the Everglades Non-native Fish Round Up to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing non-native fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these non-native species for consumption. In addition, the organizers gathered data on non-native fish distribution and abundance to assist in non-native species management. For information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, call 239-262-0304 or visit www.conservancy.org.