If you’ve spent enough time on the water, you’ve probably encountered an invasive, non-native or predatory species at some point. Whether it’s cormorants lurking on the bank, invasive aquatic plants clogging up waterways, or killer shrimp disrupting natural ecosystems, these unwanted guests can do serious damage to fisheries.
Most anglers know how important it is to deal with these species when they show up, but one of the biggest initial challenges is knowing exactly where and how bad the problem is. That’s where tracking comes in. Without good data, it’s impossible to fight back effectively.
The Power of Data in Fighting Back Against Invasive Non-Native Species
If no one reports invasive species sightings, fishery managers and conservation groups are left in the dark. They don’t know which areas are at risk, how fast an invasive species is spreading, or where to focus resources to keep native fish populations safe.
By tracking sightings of invasive species, we can:
Spot new invasions early. The sooner an invasive species is detected, the easier it is to stop it from spreading.
Identify high-risk areas. Some waterways are more vulnerable than others, and good data helps prioritise efforts.
Measure the impact. Seeing how invasive species affect native fish populations over time helps managers make better decisions.
Push for action. Hard data gives fisheries, conservation groups, and even policymakers the evidence they need to implement control measures.
Without tracking, we’re just guessing. And when it comes to protecting fishing spots, guessing isn’t good enough.
How Anglers & Fisheries Can Make a Difference
The good news is that tracking doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools, anglers can play a huge role in protecting the waters they love. Instead of relying on government agencies or fishery managers to do all the work, we can turn it into a community effort.
The first step is to encourage anglers to report sightings. If they see an invasive species while fishing your venue, you want them to log it. The more reports that come in, the better the overall picture of what’s happening. Anglers don’t have to be wildlife experts, but a simple What? When? Where? approach is a great starting point.
Next, you’ll want to make it simple for anglers to report their sightings and ensure you can review their reports. No one wants to spend half an hour filling out complicated forms when they’re supposed to be fishing.
In Clubmate, you can create a Report an Invasive Non-Native Sighting tile in the Angler App, which makes it easy to report sightings as soon as they’re spotted. Fisheries can then access and export those reports to use them as evidence when speaking to governing bodies, deciding which preventative action to take, and so on.
Finally, communication is essential. Not every angler appreciates the damage invasive species can cause, nor do they understand how vital it is to report what they see, so be sure to send out regular reminders to prompt anglers to report any sightings.
You could even put up venue signs with a QR code to your INNS Sightings online form or educate anglers about proper gear cleaning and disposal techniques that can prevent these species from spreading between water bodies, such as the Check Clean Dry campaign.
By working together, we can build a clearer picture of where invasive species are present and take action before they cause any more problems for fisheries. If we want to keep our waters healthy and our venues productive, tracking invasive species needs to be part of the game plan. Let’s make sure we’re not just reacting to problems; we’re staying ahead of them.
Clubmate is the go-to fishery management software trusted by over 100,000 anglers and 1500+ fishing club committee members and bailiffs. We’ll help you remove unnecessary paperwork, increase revenue and take back your spare time with our simple-to-use, cloud-based system designed specifically for fishing clubs and fisheries. Book a 1-2-1 demo with one of our fishing club experts or see what people have to say about working with us.
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