The following is an excerpt from Chesapeake Catch Press Release by The Hatcher Group

21 April 2015

With the opening day of rockfish season upon us, recreational fishing and conservation organizations are urging Maryland anglers to use a new website and smartphone app to record their catch and share important data about Chesapeake Bay sport fish. Anglers involved in the project say fishery managers often lack critical data, particularly about fish that are released, that they need to make informed management decisions.[one_full ][imageframe link=”http://www.elementalmobile.com/chesapeakecatch” ] “No one has a better idea of what’s really happening on the water, when it comes to fish in the Chesapeake Bay, than the hundreds of thousands of Maryland anglers,” said Tony Friedrich, Executive Director, Coastal Conservation Association – Maryland. “Anglers know we need better information about recreational fishing. Better data means better fishing, now and for future generations.”[button link=”http://www.elementalmobile.com/chesapeakecatch” color=”default” size=”” stretch=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_blank” title=”” gradient_colors=”#ffffff|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_ icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ ]Download The App[/button]

Through Chesapeake Catch, for the first time Maryland anglers are using smartphone technology to provide valuable, real-time data to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources about important Bay fish species.[one_full ][imageframe link=”http://www.elementalmobile.com/chesapeakecatch” ] More accurate information from anglers will help scientists and managers set regulations that keep species on a sustainable path while giving anglers freedom to fish. “Users will be actively engaged in the health and protection of the Bay and its resources” says Lou Etgen of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “This is a great example of community science at work.”

When recording their catch, anglers can also create a valuable, personal fishing log they can use to improve their own fishing. Chesapeake Catch records and reports information about Maryland’s most popular tidal water fish: rockfish (striped bass), redfish (red drum), speckled trout, croaker, yellow perch and shad. All other tidal and freshwater species, including invasives, can also be recorded. Anglers can also upload photographs and record data about species caught, time spent on the water, the length of the fish and catch-or-release disposition of each fish.

“Chesapeake Catch is a unique example of a project bringing together recreational anglers, conservationists and fisheries managers in order to improve our information so we may better preserve and enhance Maryland fisheries,” said Tom O’Connell, Director, Fisheries Service, Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “This information is going to be valuable to our work.”[one_full ][imageframe link=”http://www.elementalmobile.com/chesapeakecatch” ] Chesapeake Catch is a local affiliate of Angler Action, which pioneered the movement by anglers to collect their own data to inform fishery management in communities across the country. The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay worked as a partner on this project on the working group. Other partner participants in the working group behind Chesapeake Catch include fishing guides, prominent recreational fishing bloggers and other avid anglers.[button link=”http://www.elementalmobile.com/chesapeakecatch” color=”default” size=”” stretch=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_blank” title=”” gradient_colors=”#ffffff|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_ icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ ]Download The App[/button]