Recreational Angler Volunteer Program

In partnership with Anglers Atlas, we are working to develop a network of volunteer anglers to help collect long-term data to help assess the health of our waterways and generate real-time detections of invasive species

About:

We're working in partnership with Anglers Atlas to build a volunteer-based, citizen science angling program that will allow for ongoing data collection about recreationally caught fish species in order to improve the data available to help fisheries managers. This can be used for purposes such as the early detection of aquatic invasive species (AIS), conservation of species-at-risk, and other fisheries management and conservation initiatives.

Each volunteer is asked to visit the same site(s) on a repeated basis; this means visiting multiple times each fishing season, and visiting the same site each year. Anglers will record and report on species caught/observed and provide reports to the program coordinator at the end of the season. In the case the AIS are detected, this information will immediately be reported to NS Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The FINS program is partnering with Anglers Atlas to allow for participants to share data using the MyCatch app. For those who prefer more traditional paper and pencil logs, we can provide physical angler diaries.

How to participate

After the fishing season...

Submit your angler diaries! This can be done at any point during the fishing season. You can mail your angler diaries to the Clean Annapolis River Project (mailing information provided on angler diary) or submit the data electronically by emailing gracebowen-maclean@annapolisriver.ca
If you chose to submit catch data through the MyCatch app, there is no need for a final diary submission.
After you submit your angler diary, you will receive your choice of a fishing badge featuring the endangered Atlantic salmon or Atlantic whitefish
Please complete our quick and easy feedback survey! This will be provided to you through email as the end of fishing season approaches. The feedback survey will allow CARP to modify the program as needed and will be an opportunity for anglers to provide feedback on how the program went.

J. Trimm

If you would like to participate in this program here are the steps to follow:

Follow this link and complete the form to get registered.
A registration package will be e-mailed to you. Physical copies of the documents can also be sent by mail.
Sign and return the volunteer waiver form by e-mail or mail.
Read through the FINS protocol and other supplemental resources in your resources package, and complete the training quiz; don't worry it is relatively quick and easy to complete.
Make sure you have purchased a fishing license either in person or online for this fishing season. For most places and species, you will require a provincial license. If you are fishing in National Parks, a National Parks Fishing Permit (license) is required.
Read the Anglers Handbook to ensure you have the appropriate license and are aware of the open seasons and locations.
Be aware of any safety hazards, and make sure you are familiar with the area(s) where you will be angling, we always recommend having a first aid kit on site.
At least twice during the fishing season (or as time permits & allows) fish within your selected location(s), making sure to fill out an angler diary effort card or connect to MyCatch and log any observations/catches.
You can submit your observations throughout the season, or wait until the end of the season. Observations can be submitted using MyCatch. Additional information regarding MyCatch will be provided in the program protocol. In the case that you observe aquatic invasive species or species at risk, please submit your observation data immediately.