Anglers across Florida have a unique opportunity to turn their time on the water into meaningful conservation action by participating in the SWFL CISMA Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup, an annual event that invites the public to help remove harmful non-native fish from local waterways. Scheduled for April 24–26, 2026, the roundup blends fishing, citizen science, and environmental stewardship, culminating in a public weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops in Fort Myers, Florida, that showcases just how many invasive fish call the state’s waters home.
Organized through partnerships that include Bass Pro Shops and the Florida Sea Grant, the event allows anglers to help protect Florida’s ecosystems while hopefully having a good time. Registration is open to anyone willing to cast a line for a cause. Participation helps support research that would otherwise be difficult to conduct.
Why It’s a Problem
Invasive species in Florida are defined as nonnative organisms introduced by humans that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health, and they have become a serious and widespread problem across the state. Many anglers regularly encounter species like blue tilapia, Mayan cichlid, and oscar without realizing they are not native. These fish often originate from aquarium releases or aquaculture escapes, and thrive in Florida’s warm, interconnected waterways.
Once established, they can outcompete native fish for food and habitat, prey on smaller species, and alter the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), invasive species also carry a significant economic burden, with management efforts costing millions of dollars annually. Beyond cost, they are recognized as a major cause of biodiversity loss, quietly reshaping habitats and reducing the diversity of native wildlife.
How Anglers Help
The Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup shows just how helpful anglers can be in addressing this issue. During the 2025 event, 144 participants removed an astonishing 16,736 invasive fish weighing a combined 4,939 pounds, representing 16 different species. The largest fish brought in was a 5.4-pound blue tilapia, one of the most widespread invasive fish in Florida’s canals and retention ponds…