SLU is looking for anglers who want to fish for research
Some fish species, like pike and trout, are hard to catch with standard methods. SLU researchers aim to get a more accurate picture of these stocks through citizen science. The "Fish for Research" campaign targets anglers and uses the Spöreg app for data collection.
"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.
Recreational fishing and SpöReg
Recreational fishing is popular, and there is also an ambition among both authorities and interest groups to develop fishing even more. But recreational fishing also affects fish stocks and ecosystems in our seas, lakes and streams. If you want to expand fishing, it is even more important that we have good knowledge of what recreational fishing means both for the environment and for society. We need knowledge so that we can use the resource - the fish - in a way that is sustainable in the long run.
In this project, we collect information, both on fish stocks and ecosystems and on the catches and extent of recreational fishing. Based on this, it is then possible to develop indicators, make status assessments of environmental permits and evaluate the effects of various measures.
Contact
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PersonGöran Sundblad, researcher