The Everglades ecosystem is home to at least 22 nonnative freshwater fish species. These nonnative fish may be causing detrimental changes to our native fish communities, particularly as the number of new species continues to increase. All but two of these fish were introduced illegally as the result of releases of unwanted pets and food fish, or due to the flooding of aquaculture ponds.

The Everglades CISMA is hosting the Everglades Nonnative Fish Round-Up to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing nonnative fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these nonnative species for consumption. The Round-Up will also gather data into nonnative fish distribution and abundance that can assist in their management.

The Round-Up will be a 24 hour event beginning on Friday at 3:00 pm and ending Saturday at 3:00 pm to all anglers fishing in the Everglades area. The reason for this is to allow Anglers to catch a greater variety of nonative species by including night fishing. Check in will open at 2:00 pm on Saturday at each of the sites. You must be checked in by 3:00 or you will not be able to weigh in. This year prizes will be awarded to 1st place teams of 1-4 anglers for: largest fish (not including Snakehead), largest Snakehead, largest aggregate catch (not including Snakehead), and largest aggregate catch of Snakehead only. We will award a “Slam” prize to the team that catches the greatest number of nonnative species.

There will be a junior division which also includes teams of 1-4 anglers. If a youth is fishing in a team with an adult, then they will not be able to participate in the Junior division and the team will automatically be placed in the adult team division. Junior prizes will only be awarded to first place winners of those teams that consist of juniors under 16 years old. 1st and 2nd place medals will be given in each category, Adult and Junior and all participants will receive a long sleeve tournament tshirt. The adult prize for the Nonnative Slam is a 4 hour, all expenses paid bowfishing charter with Arrow Assault Bowfishing (http://facebook.com/arrowassaultbowfishing).

Please be aware if you are a team of one, you may be competing against a team of four. We encourage all anglers to get their friends and family involved in this event to increase their odds of winning. Before registering come up with a clever Team name and decide which site you will be weighing in at.

There are four weigh-in locations: 1) Miami-Dade County, Miccosukee Arches, SW 8th St. & SW 172 Ave.; 2) Broward County, University of Florida, 3205 College Ave, Davie, Fl. 33314; and 3) Palm Beach County, Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach, Florida 33473. 4) Collier County: Everglades Chamber of Commerce 32016 Tamiami Trail E. Everglades City 34139

All participants will also be entered into a raffle drawing. The winner will receive a half-day guided fishing trip from World Wide Sport Fishing (www.worldwidesportsfishing.com).

Participants who register after April 19 will be charged a Standard ticket fee of $25.00.

Happy Fishing!