Reel Rewards Program to Launch in Baltimore, MD: Incentivizing Sustainable Fishing

Laura Quigley • March 4, 2024

Reel Rewards Program to Launch in Baltimore, MD: Incentivizing Sustainable Fishing

Baltimore, MD - In April 2024, the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) will launch the Reel Rewards program, an innovative program that promotes sustainable fishing practices and combats invasive species in the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River.

The program is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the South Baltimore Gateway Partnership (SBGP) and will be executed in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Consortium for Applied Research in the Environment (ICARE), Reimagine Middle Branch, and the Middle Branch Resiliency Initiative.

Reel Rewards offers local fishers an opportunity to take part in environmental conservation and research initiatives while receiving incentives for their work. We encourage those fishing within the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River to identify and catch invasive fish species. These invasive species include the Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish.

Upon successfully catching any of the designated invasive species, participants are asked to collect the fish heads and deliver them to drop-off points on specified days. In exchange, fishers will receive $30 per invasive fish head submitted. This program provides data for invasive species management and supports local fishing communities through financial incentives.

Reel Rewards is a collaborative effort between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and local stakeholders. Our goal is to address environmental challenges, foster community engagement, and support local fishers.

For more information about Reel Rewards and how to participate, please visit https://www.ejji.org/reel-rewards.

About EJJI

The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental justice and community empowerment. Through collaborative initiatives and innovative programs, EJJI connects communities - especially youth - with the journalists, policymakers, scientists, and researchers doing environmental justice work in their neighborhoods here in Baltimore.

Contact:

Veronica Malabanan Lucchese

Environmental Science Program Manager

EJJI

veronica@ejji.org

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Reel Rewards Returns for 2026 Season with New Bounty Tiers

By Laura Quigley • March 24, 2026

Baltimore, MD – The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) is excited to announce the return of Reel Rewards , a community-powered program that promotes sustainable fishing practices and helps control invasive species in the Baltimore Harbor. The 2026 season will run from April 25 to July 18, 2026 , and brings with it updated bounty tiers and continued opportunities for community engagement and environmental impact. This season, Reel Rewards features bounty tiers that support local anglers while providing gut content data that can be used by scientists and environmental managers. Participants are encouraged to catch invasive species like Northern Snakehead, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish within the program boundaries, and bring the fish to designated drop-off locations on specific days. In return, fishers receive $10 for each fish head turned in, $10 for logging a picture of what’s inside the fish’s stomach, and $10 for each cleaned fish filet per fish to be re-used as bait. Reel Rewards is hosted by EJJI, funded by South Baltimore Gateway Partnership and the Maryland Whole Watershed Program , and in partnership with Reimagine Middle Branch and the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland . This unique collaboration brings together community voices, environmental researchers, and conservation advocates to tackle real ecological issues while uplifting Baltimore’s fishing communities. Registration is now open at: https://www.ianglertournament.com/ejji-reel-rewards-2026 For updates, official drop-off days and locations, and more details about participating, visit: https://www.ejji.org/reel-rewards . If you are with a community group or organization who would like to plan a joint event or educational engagement, contact EJJI at: veronica@ejji.org About EJJI The Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental justice and community empowerment. Through storytelling, collaborative outreach, and hands-on programming, EJJI connects Baltimore communities with the researchers, policymakers, and advocates working on environmental justice issues in their neighborhoods. Contact: Veronica Malabanan Lucchese Environmental Science Program Manager, EJJI veronica@ejji.org ###