Calling all anglers and nature lovers! This summer, you can help protect waterways in B.C. by taking photos of fish and sharing your observations through the BC Fish Finders 2026 iNaturalist project.
Running until September 21st, the project maps fish diversity in B.C., tracks vulnerable native species, and improves understanding of where invasive fish are being found.
It’s as easy as cast, snap, report!
Before you head out, set yourself up in a few quick steps:
- Download the free iNaturalist app or visit iNaturalist.ca.
- Create a free account.
- Join the project: BC Fish Finders 2026. Joining the project helps you receive updates throughout the summer and be eligible for prizes.
- Take photos of any wild fish you encounter, native or invasive, and upload your observations to iNaturalist. Make sure your geolocations are on. iNaturalist will suggest a likely ID, and other users can help verify.
Always follow local fishing regulations and avoid handling fish unecessarily when taking photos.
Once you’re set up, you’re ready to help all summer: cast, snap, report!
If you aren’t already familiar with iNaturalist, it is a free community-based tool used by people around the world to turn everyday observations into information that helps us better understand and protect nature. This short tutorial can help you get started with uploading observations.
Why Your Observations Matter
British Columbia is home to beautiful and varied aquatic habitats, from mountain streams and mighty rivers to lakes, wetlands, and coastal estuaries. These habitats support more than 65 native freshwater fish species. Several species and populations have been assessed as at risk by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) or are listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), due to a range of threats including habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.
Many fish populations in B.C. are naturally isolated by the province’s mountainous landscape. Over time, that isolation has helped create genetically distinct populations that contribute to B.C.’s unique biodiversity. Some freshwater fish are found nowhere else on earth, including the fascinating benthic and limnetic stickleback species pairs, which are listed as endangered under SARA and have been compared to Darwin’s finches for their scientific importance.
That is why fish observations matter. Photos submitted through iNaturalist can help improve knowledge of where native and invasive fish are being seen, support early detection of invasive spread, and contribute to a better understanding of aquatic ecosystems in B.C.
Invasive Fish Can Cause Lasting Damage
Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass have been intentionally and illegally released into some B.C. waterways to create recreational fishing opportunities. Along with northern pike, which are native to northeastern B.C. but invasive in southern parts of the province, they can cause serious harm where they occur outside of their natural range.
These aggressive predators can consume native fish, including salmon fry, outcompete native species for habitat and food, alter food webs, and potentially introduce diseases. Other invasive fish, such as the rosy red minnow, were likely introduced from the aquarium trade or as live bait and can also create ripple effects throughout the aquatic ecosystem.
When native fish and aquatic habitats are impacted by invasive species, we all feel the effects, including reduced fishing opportunities, damaged habitat, and impacts on community, cultural, and spiritual connections to water.
Help Stop the Spread While You’re Out There
As you take part in BC Fish Finders this summer, remember that anglers and boaters play an important role in preventing the spread of invasive species.
Don’t Let It Loose: Never move live fish, release aquarium pets or dump bait into the wild. Moving live fish between waterways is illegal in B.C. and can cause serious harm to native species and habitats. Learn more through the Don’t Let It Loose program.
Clean, Drain, Dry: Before moving between lakes, rivers, or streams, clean plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft and gear, drain all standing water, and let equipment dry completely. Remember to pull the plug before transporting your watercraft – it’s the law in B.C. Learn more through the Clean Drain Dry program.
You can also take the Angler’s Pledge to show your commitment to preventing the spread of invasive species and visit bcinvasives.ca/angling to learn more about species at risk, invasive species, and how anglers can make a difference.
Cast, Snap, Report
This summer, get outside, take photos of fish, and contribute to the BC Fish Finders 2026 iNaturalist project.
Every fish photo you share helps build a clearer picture of native fish and their habitats in B.C. Join the project to receive updates and be eligible for prizes in categories such as greatest number of species observed, best photo, and more.
It’s as simple as cast, snap, and report!
As the Senior Lead of Education at ISCBC, Stephanie supports educators and youth by developing resources and delivering programs that inspire environmental learning and protection. You may find Stephanie peering through binoculars among the Garry oaks or crouched over a tide pool near her home in Victoria. You can reach her at sweinstein@bcinvasives.ca
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