In Alberta, schools of invasive goldfish, some as large as dinner plates, have become a concerning issue for the province. The government is warning about the significant threats these introduced goldfish pose to the native ecosystems in Alberta’s water bodies.
According to the provincial Environment Minister Grant Hunter, goldfish should be kept in aquariums and not released into Alberta’s waters. The presence of goldfish has been identified in over 100 locations in Alberta, with new sites being added each year, as noted by the province’s aquatic invasive species specialist Nicole Kimmel.
Kimmel clarified that goldfish are not accidentally finding their way into waterways but are intentionally being dumped into them by people, where they adapt, survive, and reproduce. The “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign by the province aims to prevent the illegal release of species into water bodies, with penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and/or a year in jail for offenders.
Goldfish are a serious threat to native aquatic ecosystems due to their adaptability and voracious appetite, unlike many native fish species that are more selective in their diet and breeding habitats. They can thrive in Alberta’s harsh winters and are prolific breeders, with a single goldfish capable of producing up to 40,000 offspring in just three years.
University of Toronto biology professor Nicholas Mandrak, an expert in invasive species, highlighted that goldfish are not just a problem in Alberta but are global invaders known for their resilience in extreme environments. He emphasized that storm-water management ponds provide ideal conditions for goldfish to multiply due to their warmer temperatures compared to natural water bodies.
Mandark’s research in Ontario focuses on controlling the spread of goldfish from storm-water ponds into the wild. When goldfish populations establish themselves, the only way to manage them is through chemical treatments or draining the affected water body entirely.
To combat the spread of invasive goldfish, the Alberta government urges residents to report sightings to the Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline and to notify authorities of any suspected intentional releases of invasive species. Failure to address the issue of illegal goldfish introductions could lead to nationwide impacts on native species throughout the country.
The issue of invasive goldfish is a growing concern that requires proactive measures to protect Alberta’s aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.