This massive goldfish was recovered from an Alberta lake. The province is reminding residents not to release the invasive species into local waterways. Photo courtesy of the Province of Alberta
July 22 (UPI) -- The government of Alberta is issuing an important reminder to owners of pet goldfish in the province: Don't let it loose.
The province's "Don't Let It Loose" campaign was launched after more than 100 incidents of the invasive fish being found in Alberta waterways.
"This isn't because people are flushing them down the toilet and they're making their way to the waterways," Nicole Kimmel, Alberta's invasive species specialist, told CBC News. "People are actually intentionally dumping them into our waterways, and they are overwintering and thriving and finding ways to reproduce."
The campaign is reminding residents that releasing invasive species, including goldfish, into waterways carries fines of up to $70,900 and up to a year in prison.
