Southwest Florida CISMA

Southwest Florida CISMA Dedicated to across-the-fence management of invasive plants and animals

We are a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Group that encompasses Collier, Lee, Hendry and Charlotte Counties.

05/25/2026

Tegus are spreading across Florida after being introduced through the pet trade.

These invasive lizards threaten native wildlife and are a Prohibited Species in Florida.

See one? Learn how to report a sighting from The Croc Docs ➑️ https://bit.ly/3NNiItY

What a weekend! 🎣 The SWFL CISMA Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup brought out 32 teams, removing over 3,900 pounds (more...
04/29/2026

What a weekend! 🎣 The SWFL CISMA Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup brought out 32 teams, removing over 3,900 pounds (more than 5,200 invasive fish!!) from our local waterways πŸ‘

The UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH team collected ~300 fish samples for mercury analysis, helping inform fish consumption and water quality research. Many of the fish removed will also be repurposed by local farmers for compost, turning removal into a resource 🌱

It was great to see so many partners, volunteers, and community members come together for this effort. Can’t wait for next year!!

Check out this amazing work UF IFAS Florida Lake Watch facilitated at our event yesterday!
04/27/2026

Check out this amazing work UF IFAS Florida Lake Watch facilitated at our event yesterday!

Our UF IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH team collected about 300 fish samples during the 2026 SWFL Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup held in Fort Myers on April 26.

The samples will be tested for mercury level in our LAKEWATCH lab.

LAKEWATCH team members Celine Lajoie, Ph.D, doctoral candidate Baylor Lynch, and LAKEWATCH Director Gretchen Lescord, Ph.D., were all on hand for the collection along with awesome volunteers with CISMA and their agency collaborators including MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife.

So many folks helped us with sample processing and distributing our consumption survey. We would like to especially thank UF IFAS Collier County Sea Grant Extension Program Agent and SFFGS alumnus Michael Sipos for his collaboration on this project.

Local news coverage: https://www.winknews.com/news/lee/invasive-freshwater-fish-roundup-in-fort-myers-helps-fuel-research/article_b3001e0d-261e-4eb1-93ec-a9c24c6e3bc5.html

Learn more about LAKEWATCH: https://lakewatch.ifas.ufl.edu/
Learn more about CISMA: [email protected]

Do you know your local invasive fish?πŸ‘€Today is the LAST day to sign up for the SWFL CISMA Invasive Freshwater Fish Round...
04/23/2026

Do you know your local invasive fish?πŸ‘€

Today is the LAST day to sign up for the SWFL CISMA Invasive Freshwater Fish Roundup (April 24–26)!

Whether you already know your oscars from your tilapia, or you’re just getting started, this is a great chance to learn invasive fish ID while making a real impact on our local waterways.

πŸ“ Final weigh-in: Sunday, April 26 (12–3 PM) at Bass Pro Shops, Fort Myers. Free and open to the public with fish on display, hands-on learning stations, and family-friendly activities. Try the Education Passport for a chance to win prizes!

Register and get more info here: bit.ly/2026ROUNDUP

Ready to reel in some impact?🎣 Join us for the SWFL CISMA Annual Invasive Fish Roundup, where removing invasive species ...
04/14/2026

Ready to reel in some impact?🎣 Join us for the SWFL CISMA Annual Invasive Fish Roundup, where removing invasive species helps protect our native ecosystems across Southwest Florida!
From tilapia to cichlids and many other invasive fish, every catch makes a difference in restoring balance to our waterways. Bring your competitive spirit - prizes are involved πŸ‘€

πŸ“… Happening in just a couple weeks! See last photo for more info.
πŸ”— Register & get details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983083649579

See you there! 🐟

04/12/2026

An elusive invader is slipping through South Florida’s canals and scientists need your help to track it.

Asian swamp eels are hard to detect, but residents and outdoor enthusiasts are becoming a critical part of early detection efforts during . A single sighting could make a difference.

Learn how you can help stop their spread πŸ”— tr.ee/soKc9dm_d8

Thanks to everyone who attended the SWFL CISMA 2026 Invasive Species Symposium! 🐍🌿A day of learning, collaboration, and ...
04/08/2026

Thanks to everyone who attended the SWFL CISMA 2026 Invasive Species Symposium! 🐍🌿

A day of learning, collaboration, and connection centered around protecting our region from invasive species. We're grateful for the growing network of partners working together across Southwest Florida. Thank you to FGCU Wings of Hope for all their help 🐾

See you at the 2026 Invasive Fish Round Up soon!

Address

10501 FGCU Blvd S
Fort Myers, FL
33965

Website

https://linktr.ee/SWFLCISMA

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