UNITED STATES — As part of its observation of National Invasive Species Awareness Week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) shared a reminder about invasive species that can be acquired at county fairs and carnivals.
Addressed to “all fish parents” and anglers, the reminder said goldfish are becoming a growing problem in American lakes and rivers.
“Releasing pet goldfish into the wild is not the ‘kind’ option you might think it is,” the USFWS posted to social media. “They grow, they multiply and they outcompete native species, tipping the scales of our delicate ecosystem balance.”
Anglers using live goldfish for bait contributes to the problem, USFWS said, urging anglers to properly dispose of unused bait instead of dumping it into the water.
When county fair season rolls around, remember to adopt responsibly. Only bring home a fish when ready for a long-term commitment.
“Remember, it’s up to all of us to protect our local ecosystems,” USFWS said. “Let’s work together to keep our waters safe and our wildlife thriving. Together, we can keep our waterways just swimming!”
