By Christien Martin

The Reel Rewards invasive fish bounty program, organized by the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) in partnership with local communities, is a community-driven environmental restoration initiative. Launched in May 2024, this program pays local anglers to help restore the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River by removing invasive fish. This harbor has been a historically significant part of the Patapsco River, serving as a hub for both industry and local fishing communities in South Baltimore. Once a vital area for shipbuilding and trade, it has also been impacted by environmental justice issues, with marginalized communities bearing the brunt of pollution and industrial decline. By offering financial incentives to remove invasive fish species, the program tackles a critical environmental issue while empowering these same communities to reclaim and restore their local environment.

The Challenge: Invasive Species Threatening Chesapeake Bay

The Middle Branch of the Patapsco River, part of the greater Chesapeake Bay, has long been plagued by invasive fish species, including the Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. These apex predators have few natural enemies. This allows the invasive fish to outcompete native species important to the local ecosystem and economy. These invasives are resilient to environmental changes and have high offspring survival rates allowing them to spread throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Their survival strategies make the Middle Branch ecosystem more vulnerable. It is vital to control invasive populations to help the local environment.

Local anglers have noted the presence of these invasive species since the 1980s. Despite public desire to address the environmental challenges faced by the area, there has been a significant lack of research and action to address these issues—until now.

A Solution: Community-Based Conservation

Reel Rewards offers a mitigating solution to this problem by compensating community members for removing these invasive fish. Anglers receive $30 for each invasive fish they catch from the Middle Branch and turn in to EJJI, with an additional $10 reward for participating in a survey designed to understand community behaviors and environmental awareness.

This innovative approach not only helps to reduce the population of harmful species but also fosters a sense of community involvement in environmental stewardship. The program’s success is evident in its reception; over 300 people registered to participate in its first year, with many praising the initiative for its dual benefits to the environment and the community.

Program Impact: Success in Numbers

In just the first three months, Reel Rewards has seen impressive results:

• 256 Northern Snakeheads
• 37 Blue Catfish
• 6 Flathead Catfish
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These numbers represent a significant reduction in the invasive species population, directly contributing to the health of the Chesapeake Bay's ecosystem. To date, $8,460 has been paid out to participating anglers, underscoring the community's enthusiastic participation and the program's positive economic impact.

Community Engagement: A Path Forward

The Reel Rewards program focuses on working with the community. Survey data taken during the program revealed that 72% of registrants were previously unaware or knew very little of current environmental improvements in Middle Branch. However, 62% expressed a willingness to learn more, highlighting a strong community interest in environmental management when provided with the right opportunities.

This program is not just about fish; it’s about fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and giving local residents a say in the future of their neighborhood. Ongoing environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and survey data collection are crucial components of this effort, providing valuable insights into both the social and biological aspects of the ecosystem.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Reel Rewards

The success of Reel Rewards has spurred discussions about its future. Participants and partners are eager to see the program expand. Potential new locations in the Potomac River and Annapolis are under consideration. To make this a reality, EJJI and its partners are actively seeking additional funding to extend the program's reach and duration.



As we look forward to the Spring of 2025, when the program is expected to run again, it’s clear that Reel Rewards is more than just a fishing competition. It’s a community-driven movement towards ecological restoration, social empowerment, and environmental justice.

To learn more about Reel Rewards and how you can get involved, visit EJJI's Reel Rewards page.