IGFA and Columbia University Team Up on Fish App for iPhones
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The International Game Fish Association and Columbia University have partnered to develop a new application – called IGFACatchLog – that will allow anglers to contribute to fisheries data collection efforts using Apple’s iPhone. As they near completion of a pilot version of the App, the IGFA is offering anglers to opportunity to test it out and earn some great incentives, including a free LifeProof case for the iPhone, Costa sunglasses, and more.
A unique feature of IGFACatchLog will be a visual recognition component, developed by computer scientists at Columbia University, which will help anglers identify a fish from an iPhone photograph. Researchers at Columbia have pioneered similar visual recognition systems for plants through projects like the Leafsnap app.
The basic application will be modified from the existing IGFA app, IGFA Mobile, and allow anglers who want to participate in research and management efforts to do so quickly and easily. While the data collected will contribute to specific fisheries research and management efforts, a companion angler catch log will allow users to store complete details of their catches for their own use or to share with others if they so desire.
“As evidenced by the popularity of IGFA’s current app, anglers are thirsting for opportunities to catalog their catches in an easy- to-use application,” remarked IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser. “Adding the capability to easily share much-needed catch data will also help improve recreational fisheries.”
The initial pilot area for testing this app will be the near shore marine waters of Everglades National Park in south Florida. Anglers who fish this area between April and December are encouraged to apply to be part of the testing team at igfacatchlog. Project personnel will also be consulting with state and federal data managers along the Atlantic seaboard to determine elements and features of the app that might be helpful in other areas where angler generated data might be useful.
Funding for the project is being provided by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
For more information, and to find out how to become a member of the IGFA CatchLog evaluation team, contact Leah Baumwell at lbaumwell@igfa.org or (954) 924-4317.
About the IGFA
Founded in 1939, the IGFA is a non-profit organized under Section 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Code and is best known for conservation efforts of fisheries, educational programs, rule-making and for maintaining worldwide game fish records in freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and junior angler categories. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
For further information, contact the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004; phone 954-927-2628, fax: 954-924-4299, website: www.igfa.org.
