Plants and animals that are not native to Alberta can become invasive if they are released into local waterbodies. These species are known as aquatic invasive species and can harm local ecosystems. Many animals and plants sold for aquariums and water gardens are not native to Canada and cause serious issues when released into waterbodies.
Invasive Goldfish
Goldfish – while they make great pets – are an invasive species that damage our local aquatic ecosystems. Do your part to help protect our waterways by never releasing aquarium plants, animals (dead or alive) or aquarium water into waterbodies.
| What’s so threatening about goldfish? |
Once released into the wild, goldfish form large populations and present risks to native species and habitat, including:
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| How can I protect native fish and aquatic ecosystems? |
Aquatic invasive species are spread by intentional release, dumping aquariums or by accidental transfer on boats or equipment. There are some steps we can take to protect our waterbodies from invasive species:
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Interesting facts about goldfish
| How big can goldfish get in the wild? |
| While in an aquarium, goldfish tend to grow to about 1 – 2 inches long, when released into the wild, they typically range from 5 – 10 inches with some growing to 15 inches in length! |
| How many eggs can a female goldfish lay? |
| Female goldfish lay a few hundred to a few thousand eggs at once, which take only 2 to 7 days to hatch. |
| How long do goldfish live? |
| Goldfish are the longest-lived freshwater aquarium fish able to survive 30 – 40 years. Their long lifespans create plenty of opportunities for breeding and range expansion. An average lifespan is usually 5 – 15 years. |
| Can goldfish survive the cold northern Alberta winters? |
| Goldfish are tolerant to low oxygen conditions and can survive local water temperatures. |
It is illegal to release aquatic species into waterbodies
Did you know that it is illegal to release fish and other aquatic species into waterbodies and doing so could result in large fines or even jail time?
Under the federal Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, it is illegal to introduce an aquatic species into a body of water, unless authorized under federal, provincial or territorial law.
The Fisheries (Alberta) Act regulates the purchase, possession and release of 52 prohibited species in Alberta.
| Invasive Goldfish Management Project |
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Invasive goldfish have been identified in the Brett Drive Storm Pond. The Municipality is required by provincial and federal legislation to remove invasive species (goldfish) from Brett Storm Pond.
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| How to Manage Goldfish |
| To effectively manage invasive goldfish, the Municipality will implement eradication measures.
A chemical application of Rotenone is being applied to the pond in August. Crews will be on-site to monitor and complete this necessary work.
Rotenone is the recommended method by Alberta Environment and Parks for eradicating invasive species and once applied to the waterbody, it does not pose any risks to humans, pets or local wildlife (such as birds, bears, deer etc.). Project work is expected to take approximately five weeks to complete. Please follow all posted signage and do not enter closed areas. |
Learn more about Rotenone
Rotenone is a compound derived from the roots of a tropical plant from the bean family. All pesticides for use in Canada are registered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
Rotenone has been used across Canada to eradicate invasive species, including municipalities throughout Alberta such as Banff, City of Red Deer, City of Lethbridge, Okotoks, Grand Prairie and more.
| Why are we using Rotenone? |
| Rotenone is the recommended method by Alberta Environment and Parks to manage invasive fish species. It has been used in similar projects across Alberta and is proven to be one of the most effective and safest ways to eliminate aquatic invasive species in a body of water.
As projects like this can be costly, it is important to use an effective method for goldfish management the first time around. |
| Is rotenone harmful to people when used as a fisheries management tool? |
| No. A 132 pound person would have to consume more than 150,000 litres (approx. 40,000 gallons) of Rotenone-treated water within a 24 hour period to receive a lethal dose. There is no opportunity for long-term effects since rotenone biodegrades within two to four weeks. The use of rotenone for fish control/eradication does not present a risk of adverse effects to humans, animals or the environment. |
| If there are no health risks, why are applicators wearing large amounts of personal protective equipment? |
| Certified applicators of rotenone are required to wear a large and comprehensive amount of personal protective equipment including coveralls, gloves, goggles and a respirator as they are handling concentrated amounts of the compound which increases risk and exposure.
When applied to the waterbody, the product is diluted and is generally applied below the surface of the water, reducing the risk to the surrounding area and individuals. |
| Are there health risks to pets and other wildlife? |
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The Rotenone treatment affects fish or species with gills, such as some stages of amphibians and some aquatic insects. Once applied to the waterbody, it does not present a risk of adverse effect to humans, animals or the environment. This is because all humans and animals have natural enzymes in the digestive tract that neutralize rotenone, whereas gill-breathing species do not possess these enzymes and cannot neutralize the compound. The Rotenone applied to the water will naturally break down over a period expanding from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on water condition and temperature. |
| Will wildlife that eat dead fish and drink treated water be affected? |
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Birds and mammals that eat dead fish and drink treated water will not be affected, for reasons mentioned above. A bird weighing approximately 113 grams would have to consume 95 litres of treated water or more than 18 kilograms of fish and invertebrates within a 24 hour period to receive a lethal dose. This same bird would normally consume 6 millilitres of water and 9 grams of food daily. |
| Is rotenone a groundwater contaminant? |
| Wells and groundwater will not be affected by the rotenone treatment. Monitoring studies show that groundwater in adjacent areas have not been affected. |
| Why is there an odour in the area around Brett Drive Storm Pond? |
| Application of Rotenone may cause a mild odour, which may last up to a few days. Rotenone is not harmful to humans, pets or vegetation, even if the odour is present. |
Resources
Rotenone - Invasive fish control in Alberta storm water management ponds
Frequently asked questions
| Why are invasive species bad? |
| Aquatic invasive species disrupt the ecosystem and threaten native fish populations.
When it comes to their impact on local ecosystems, invasive species can alter a habitat so drastically that it becomes uninhabitable for native populations in local waterbodies. |
| How do invasive species like goldfish get into water bodies? |
| Aquatic invasive species are spread by intentional release, dumping aquariums or by transfer on boats or equipment.
Never release your plants and animals into the wild or dump aquariums or water garden debris into rivers, streams, lakes, storm ponds or storm sewers. Common aquarium and pond plants and animals can become invasive when released into the wild, potentially causing ecological harm. It is illegal to transfer fish between waterbodies and could result in fines or jail time. |
| How should I dispose of unwanted aquarium water, plants, and/or pets? |
| Pour unwanted aquarium water over dry land and freeze aquarium plants before throwing them in the garbage. Unwanted pets can be disposed of humanely by returning them to pet stores, donating them to schools or community organizations or by giving them away. |
| Can I flush dead fish down the toilet? |
| No. You can get rid of your dead pet fish by putting it in a bag and then putting it in the garbage. Dead fish are acceptable in your waste bins and will be collected on your collection days. |