Angler Input Needed to Help Stop the Spread of the Invasive Round Goby
Registration open for the “Your Voice for Our Waters” angler engagement session
(ERIE, PA) – Anglers in Northwestern Pennsylvania are invited to share their experience and insights related to the invasive fish, the Round Goby, during the “Your Voice for Our Waters,” angler engagement session, happening December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Allegheny College. Anglers are encouraged to register early.
The Round Goby is a small, aggressive fish that can be spread through fishing-related activities. It wreaks havoc on native freshwater mussel and fish populations and feeds on both the eggs and fry of the Smallmouth Bass, a native and popular sport fish in Pennsylvania.
Concerns that it will continue to invade inland waterways, particularly those adjacent to Lake Erie, have inspired the organizers, Pennsylvania Sea Grant (PASG) and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Invasive Species Council, to host the event. Anglers are often among the first to recognize the impacts of invasive species on local waterways and fisheries, which is why their input is being sought to help stop the spread of the Round Goby.
“The overarching goal of the effort is to protect regional waterways and aquatic ecosystems by stopping the spread of the Round Goby,” said Sara Stahlman, PASG extension leader and co-organizer. “To reach that goal, we want to hear from anglers about their experiences with the Round Goby and fishing in the region. We’re hoping their insights and ideas will help us develop effective angler-to-angler messaging and prioritize our outreach activities and efforts.”
Sale, barter, transport, and possession of the Round Goby is illegal in the state, yet its close resemblance to other baitfish, like darters and sculpins, often results in its unintentional spread. Aquatic invasive species, like the Round Goby, are often unintentionally spread via purchased bait, in bait buckets, and bilge water, and other fishing gear.
“By better understanding how anglers interact with the Round Goby, how they like to receive information, and what language best resonates with them, we can create more effective messaging that keeps angler values at the heart of invasive species prevention,” Stahlman said.
The “Your Voice for Our Waters” engagement session is scheduled for December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Allegheny College. There is no cost to participate, but in order to have an accurate lunch count, registration is required (https://forms.gle/LtHDsFpoLf7zkv459). Registration by December 2nd is preferred, but late registrants will be considered.
More information about the Round Goby and other aquatic invasive species is available online at https://seagrant.psu.edu. Contact paseagrant@psu.edu for more information about the angler engagement session or with questions.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant offers aquatic invasive species fact sheets in plain text and as a designed, downloadable PDF. Access the Round Goby fact sheet online.
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