Since their release into the Chesapeake watershed, the Northern snakehead (Channa argus) and the blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and flathead catfish(Pylodictis olivaris) have continued to spread to nearly all bodies of water that have proper habitat and conditions for the species. All species are officially classified as invasive or injurious, and may not be transported alive or release anywhere in Maryland.
The Great Chesapeake Invasives Count is an angling based effort to provide important data to Maryland DNR, USFWS, and other management agencies on what you’re seeing on the water.
Information related to the number of fish you catch during a given time, as well as the length and weight of the fish you catch is important to fishery managers. It is also vital to investigate the feeding habits of invasive fish to help understand the short and long-term impacts that their existence may cause on native species.
It is important that ALL CITIZENS recognize the impacts that these species have on our natural ecosystems, and does not continue the spread of these fish.
To help provide data, please register for this event by following the steps below.
To Register:
- Download the free “iANGLER Tournament” app from your app/play store. Make sure you select the correct app (note blue app icon above).
- Using the Ap or a computer register by creating a profile by selecting the “REGISTER” button; Returning users: enter your username and password, then “LET ME IN”.
- You may need to search for this tournament on the app by selecting the magnifying glass icon at the bottom, and searching for “Chesapeake Invasives”.
- Once logged in register for FREE on this page or via the app on this event
- Go fishing, have fun, and report your data
What Information are we asking anglers to provide?
Fishery managers need help in understanding where invasive species are being caught, and with what regularity or how much effort.
Please report the location of your catch using the iAngler Tournament automatic location setting. This information will not be shared with other anglers, it will simply be provided to the fishery managers that need help knowing where these species have spread and are being caught.
There are 2 main categories of information per species that managers are seeking, these are listed in the app.
– Lengths and weights.
– Stomach contents & the weight of them
All data should be submitted with a picture against a ruler, and the appropriate division should be selected in the app when submitting each item. (sample image stomach contents)
Random Prizes:
To thank you for your participation, participants will be entered to win random prizes as follows:
- one “ticket” with registration for the Great Chesapeake Invasives Count.
- one “ticket” for each approved submission per division from June 1 – Dec. 5th
- An approved submission is one that includes the location of the catch and at least one of the following
- Length
- Length & Weight
- Weight
- Stomach contents weight & picture
- An approved submission is one that includes the location of the catch and at least one of the following
Additional bonus “tickets” and prizes may be given at the discretion of CCA Maryland leadership and event partners and sponsors.
The random drawing will be held on CCA Maryland’s facebook page and announced via the app on the following dates: June 15th, June 29th, July 13th, July 27th, August 10th, August 24th, Sept 7th, Sept 21st, October 5th, October 19th, Nov 2nd, Nov 16th, Nov 30th.
While all who participate are eligible for winning prizes, those who are active CCA Maryland members qualify for additional prizes.