Almost 5000 people have downloaded the free iSpy Frogs and iSpy Fish apps since they were launched in 2013 - 2014 by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Goulburn Broken CMA Environmental Water Project Officer Jo Wood said the iSpy Frogs app allows users to record frog sightings, and the iSpy Fish app allows recreational fishers to record their catch using their smart phone or tablet.
“The apps are another mechanism for the Goulburn Broken CMA to engage with the community and collect useful information about the distribution of the frogs and fish and their habitat. This information helps us to plan and target on ground works and manage habitat and conditions for frogs and fish,” Ms Wood said.
“The data collected is being used to improve our understanding of the distribution of frog and fish populations across the Catchment, and it helps us gather information about the location of threatened frog species and the movement of threatened fish species such as the Macquarie perch.
“We have funding through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme for the protection of private land wetlands, and our State Government funded River Health incentives can assist landholder to protect priority waterways, so if we can target on ground works and help landholders protect and enhance threatened species habitat that’s a terrific outcome.”
The frog and fish records are displayed on a map on the Goulburn Broken CMA’s website. To date 949 sightings of frogs have been recorded, and 43 fish catches, including threatened Trout cod and Freshwater catfish, have been recorded.
The iSpy Frogs app was developed in partnership with Museum Victoria, and the iSpy Fish app was developed in partnership with Sumo Software and with assistance from Arthur Rylah Institute scientist Jarod Lyon and University of Canberra’s Mark Lintermans.
For more information about the iSpy Frogs and iSpy Fish apps, visit http://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/ispy_catchment_creatures
Find iSpy Fish on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/gbcmaispyfish