TrophyCatch: A conservation program for trophy bass in Florida

• Published in: Florida scientist Vol. 77; no. 4; pp. 167 - 183
• Main Authors: Dutterer, Andrew C., Wiley, Christopher, Wattendorf, Bob, Dotson, Jason R., Pouder, William F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Orlando The Florida Academy of Sciences, Inc 01.10.2014; Florida Academy of Sciences, Inc
• Subjects: Bodies of water; Fish conservation; Fisheries; Fisheries management; Fisheries science; Fishers; Fishery economics; Freshwater bass; Freshwater fishes; Micropterus; Sport fishing; Wildlife conservation; Wildlife management; USA, Florida
• ISSN: 0098-4590

In Florida, Florida Bass (Micropterus floridanus) fisheries have high recreational, economical, and social value, and trophy-size bass contribute a large part of the identity and draw of these fisheries. In adopting the state's comprehensive Black Bass Management Plan in 2011, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasized a commitment to research and management practices that enhance opportunities for angler catch of these rare and valuable fish. In October 2012, the FWC launched TrophyCatch, an angler-based citizen-science program that documents trophy bass (≥ 3.63 kg). A primary goal of the program is to establish a long-term record of spatial and temporal characteristics of trophy bass catches, relying on the state's numerous anglers to alleviate difficulties associated with the collection and reporting of these data using traditional approaches. Through 18 months of operation, anglers have documented 694 trophy-size bass with the TrophyCatch program. Initial measures suggest that program participation was low in year 1; however, the first 6 months of year 2 showed a 250% increase in entries, suggesting rapid growth in participation and a promising outlook for achieving program goals. Through time, information gained via TrophyCatch will help the FWC identify long-term and landscape-level patterns in the catch of trophy-size Florida Bass, aiding in future management of the species.