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For Immediate Release:
April 23, 2012

Media Contact:
Tony Pernas
[email protected]
786-249-0073



Tournament Aims to Raise Awareness of Threat Posed by Non-Native Fish to Everglades Ecosystem


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- 
The Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) is hosting the Everglades Non-Native Fish Round Up tournament on May 19, 2012, from 7:00 a.m. to  3:00 p.m., at the Miccosukee Arches (SW 8 St. & SW 172 Ave., Miami) to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing non-native fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these non-native species for consumption. 

The Everglades ecosystem is home to at least 22 nonnative freshwater fish species.  These non-native fish threaten to cause detrimental changes to the South Florida native fish communities, particularly as the number of new species continues to increase.  All but two of these fish introduced illegally as the result of release of unwanted pets and food fish, or due to the flooding of aquaculture ponds. The Round Up will also serve as a mechanism for gathering data into non-native fish distribution and abundance that can assist in their management. 

The Round Up will be a one day event open to all anglers (shore or boat) fishing in the Everglades area, and includes a junior division.  Cash and prizes will be awarded for the "Largest Fish" (by weight) and a "Slam" (the greatest variety of non-native fish). The entry fee is $25 per angler, which includes a T-shirt and merchandise from tournament sponsors Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Eagle Claw, and JD's Custom Baits.

For more information about the tournament, call 786-249-0073. Online registration is available at: Everglades CISMA.

About ECISMA:
ECISMA is a formal partnership between federal, state and local government agencies, tribes, individuals, and various interested groups that manage invasive species and is defined by a geographic boundary. The partnership includes the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department; US Fish and Wildlife Service; US Army Corps of Engineers; National Park Service; South Florida Water Management District; and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.


 

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MIAMI-DADE PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACES DEPARTMENT
275 NW 2nd Street, 3rd Floor Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 755-7842