Reeling in Change: 2025 Invasive Fish Roundup

Florida’s natural beauty is increasingly under threat by invasive species - nonnative organisms that are introduced by humans and cause ecosystem disruption, negative health implications, and/or economic harm. While some invaders, like Burmese pythons, are well-known culprits, the waterways of Southwest Florida quietly host another challenge: invasive freshwater fish.

These species - many of which were released into the wild as unwanted pets, food fish, or aquaculture escapees - are altering native fish communities and disrupting local habitats. Florida spends nearly $45 million annually controlling invasive plants alone, and nationwide, invasive species cost the U.S. economy up to $120 billion per year.

“Education and prevention are the most effective tools for invasive species management, followed by early detection and rapid response,” says Michael Sipos, Florida Sea Grant Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Collier County. That’s where the Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup comes in.

Organized by the Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (SWFL CISMA), the 2025 Invasive Fish Roundup is a fishing competition designed to engage the community, collect scientific data, and help manage a growing ecological issue. Not only will the roundup raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing invasive fish into Florida waters, but it will directly aid the health of our ecosystems by targeting specific invasive species for sport. Data is also collected on invasive fish distribution and abundance to assist with future management and studies. 

Invasive Issues Call for Innovative Solutions

Last year’s roundup was a splashy success, bringing in fresh statistics and sustainable solutions. A total of 119 anglers participated, hauling in over 4,850 invasive fish from 12 different species, weighing a collective 2,373 pounds. Highlights included a massive 7.4-pound blue tilapia and critical research on mercury levels and composting potential. Many of the fish were donated to Naples Compost after the weigh-in.

As part of the 2024 Invasive Fish Roundup’s research initiatives, organizers conducted a composting study using invasive fish remains to explore their potential in sustainable agriculture. Basil was grown in containers filled with soil and various compost blends, including food waste, whole fish, and filleted fish. The results were clear: both fish-based composts significantly improved plant growth, with the ‘Whole Fish’ treatment producing the most dramatic increases in plant height and biomass. This promising data supports the idea that invasive species, when responsibly harvested, can be repurposed to benefit local agriculture and reduce organic waste.

How It Works

Sign-up for the 2025 Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup kicks off at midnight on Friday, April 25, allowing anglers to begin fishing immediately from any legal freshwater fishing spot within the five-county Southwest Florida CISMA area (Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties).

Once registered online at bit.ly/2025ROUNDUP, participants can fish at their own pace throughout the weekend. All invasive fish caught during the tournament window must be kept on ice and brought to the in-person weigh-in event on Sunday, April 27 at Bass Pro Shops in Fort Myers (open from 12:00 – 3:00 PM).

This start makes the tournament accessible, flexible, and community-wide - uniting anglers across the region in a collective effort to help restore native freshwater habitats.

What to Expect

Expect educational exhibits, live invasive fish displays, fish filleting demos, a Gyotaku fish-printing table, and plenty of prizes at the lively weigh-in at Bass Pro Shops. Open to both shore and boat anglers in teams of one to four people, the roundup features divisions for adults and juniors, with awards for Highest Net Weight, Invasive Slam (most invasive species caught), Heaviest Single Fish, and more. And yes, there will be raffles, swag, and bragging rights galore.

“This fun, family-friendly competition provides valuable data for scientists and land managers while helping educate the public about why invasive species matter,” says Michael Sipos.

Want to Help Without a Fishing Rod? 

The roundup welcomes donations, volunteers, prize sponsors, and even those just curious about invasive species. Educational presentations can be scheduled by contacting Michael Sipos at sipos624@ufl.edu, and updates are regularly posted via the Collier Sea Grant Linktree, which connects to YouTube, social media, and blog content.

Events like the Invasive Fish Roundup prove that citizen science and community engagement are powerful tools in the fight for Florida’s ecosystems. Whether you're an experienced angler, a concerned resident, or someone who just loves a good fish story, this is your chance to get involved, make a difference, and maybe reel in the biggest catch of the year.