‘Don’t let it loose’: Government ramps up messaging about risks of goldfish

A 30-centimetre, 2.4-pound goldfish is seen in this undated photo after being removed from the Drake Landing stormwater pond in Okotoks, Alta. (Source: Government of Alberta)

The Alberta government is launching a public awareness campaign about the negative impacts of goldfish and other invasive fish in provincial waters.

“Goldfish belong in aquariums, not in Alberta’s waters. Don’t let it loose,” said Environment and Protected Areas Minister Grant Hunter in a news release Monday.

The rule goes for aquarium pets, water garden plans, live food, sportfish and live bait.

Invasive fish present a high risk because they are highly adaptable, the government says; they outcompete other fish for food, and destroy aquatic plants and degrade water quality as their population increases. They can also carry diseases and parasites that may be introduced to the environment.

Specifically, goldfish, which can reproduce three times a year, can produce an estimated 40,000 offspring within three years.

Goldfish or other invasive fish should be reported to the Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline at 1-855-336-BOAT (2628).

Anyone who witnesses someone releasing an invasive species should report them to the 24/7 Report A Poacher hotline toll-free at 1-800-642-3800.

More information, including a list of prohibited species, is available on the government’s website.