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Alberta’s government is reminding residents that releasing aquarium pets, pond fish, plants or live bait into the province’s waterways can have serious consequences for native ecosystems.

Through its “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign, the province is urging Albertans never to release aquarium pets, water garden plants, live food, sportfish or live bait into rivers, streams, lakes, ponds or storm drains.

Goldfish and other invasive fish species can be highly adaptable and may outcompete native fish for food and resources, damage aquatic plants and degrade water quality as their populations grow.

“Goldfish belong in aquariums, not in Alberta’s waters. Don’t let it loose. Report sightings of invasive fish and help protect Alberta’s ecosystems by following the law,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

A recent example of the potential size of the problem came from Okotoks, where a 30-centimetre, 2.4-pound goldfish—roughly the size of a dinner plate—was removed from the Drake Landing stormwater pond.

According to the Alberta government, goldfish are extremely hardy and can tolerate low oxygen levels and poor water quality. They can also reproduce rapidly, with females capable of spawning up to three times a year and laying an average of 500 to 1,000 eggs per spawning period.

Once invasive fish become established, controlling them can be difficult and expensive. Alberta says there are no selective control methods available for invasive fish that would remove only the invasive species without potentially affecting other fish in the same waterbody.

The province also warns that invasive fish can carry pathogens capable of infecting other fish species. Their feeding habits can increase water turbidity, reducing suitable habitat and available food for native species.

Alberta currently has more than 50 populations of goldfish living throughout the province, with goldfish having demonstrated the ability to survive and thrive in environments as far north as Fort McMurray.

Residents who spot goldfish or other suspected aquatic invasive fish are encouraged to report the sighting to Alberta’s Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline at 1-855-336-BOAT (2628). Where possible, residents should provide a clear photograph showing the fish’s entire body and fins.

It is also illegal to move live fish from one waterbody to another. Penalties for illegally introducing fish into a waterbody can reach $100,000 and/or one year in prison.

Anyone who witnesses the suspected intentional release of an aquatic invasive species is asked to contact the 24-hour Report a Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.

Alberta advises residents who can no longer care for an aquarium fish not to release it into the wild. Instead, owners can contact a retailer for advice, find another aquarium or pond owner, donate the fish to a local aquarium society or school, or speak with a veterinarian about humane disposal.

The message from the province is simple: goldfish belong in aquariums—not Alberta’s lakes, rivers, ponds or storm drains.

(Source: Government of Alberta)