The community is being reminded to not release aquarium fish and pets into waterways to protect Western Australia’s freshwater environments from pests and diseases.
The community is being reminded to not release aquarium fish and pets into waterways to protect Western Australia’s freshwater environments from pests and diseases.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) ‘Don’t dump that fish’ campaign is being highlighted as part of National Biosecurity Week.
Released non-native aquarium species can become pests, spread diseases and parasites into rivers, lakes and wetlands, and have a significant impact on native species and the overall health of the aquatic environment.
DPIRD Aquatic Pest Biosecurity senior project officer Careena Nolan said the ‘Don’t dump that fish’ campaign was an ongoing program to create awareness within the community about freshwater pest biosecurity.
“Educating the public on why they should not be releasing aquarium species into waterways is crucial, as prevention is the best way to protect our aquatic environments from pests,” she said.
“Species including goldfish, koi carp, pearl cichlids and guppies are aquarium fish that have become established in parts of Western Australia.
“Once established, freshwater pests like these are extremely difficult, and often impossible, to eradicate.”
Ms Nolan said everyone has a role to play in protecting WA’s freshwater environments.
“One action the community can take is to consider stocking ponds and aquariums with native fish species such as Western pygmy perch, native rainbowfishes and Southwest glass shrimp,” she said.
“Pygmy perch in particular are good for mosquito control and are also ‘frog friendly’ as they as don’t consume tadpoles.
“Speak to your local aquarium shop and find out what species are available and what would suit your home aquarium or pond.
“People can also contact aquarium shops about taking back unwanted non-native species such as goldfish and carp to be rehomed, instead of releasing them.”
If the community sees any unusual fish or other species in a river, lake or wetland they are encouraged to report it through to Fishwatch on 1800 815 507 or via the MyPestGuide Reporter App
More information on the ‘Don’t dump that fish’ campaign is available from the DPIRD website – https://www.dpird.wa.gov.au/individuals/Keeping-pet-and-ornamental-fish/
