Some species of fish, such as pike and trout, are difficult to catch with the nets and fyke nets normally used in fish monitoring. Researchers at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences now want to get a more accurate picture of these fish stocks – through citizen science. That is why the Fish for Research campaign is now being launched, which is aimed at anglers and is based on data collection via a flexible mobile application: Spöreg.
"Through citizen science, where anglers contribute with their experiences, we now hope to gain better knowledge of how fish stocks are doing and developing. Together, we can increase knowledge about species that are important for recreational fishing," says Göran Sundblad, researcher at the Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua).
The Spöreg app is a digital tool for data collection of sport fishing species and catches. Via the app, you register your fishing trip and the catches made. The information provides increased knowledge about fish stocks and can also be used to monitor their status. In the app, you can also report observations of mammals and birds (seals and cormorants), which increases knowledge about their importance for fishing.
- To make the app as easy to use as possible, we have developed it together with professional guides from Sveriges Organiserade Fiskeguider (Sweden's Organized Fishing Guides). We now hope that more experienced and serious anglers will want to help and contribute to increased knowledge about our important predatory fish by becoming "Spöreggare", says Göran Sundblad.
At present, SLU is looking for people who fish for certain species in certain areas. Read more on slu.se/sporeg.
