A total of 1,746 goldfish were removed from a pond in BC recently in order to prevent further harm to the environment.
The City of Campbell River said that staff removed the invasive species from the Erickson Stormwater Pond over the course of two weeks.
To do so, workers had to draw down the pond and relocate salamanders and newts. The trails in the area were closed while the work was being completed.
“The number and size of the goldfish that had to be removed really shows why this species is such a challenge when released to nature,” said Steve Roehr, Operations Manager, Utilities. “They multiply quickly and grow to be big – and that edges out native species.”
The city worked with an independent environmental contractor to remove the fish, which needed extensive permits.
It is anticipated that a follow up remediation will be needed to make sure the goldfish were completely removed.
In the case of these goldfish, after they are caught they are euthanized using an approved fish anesthetic and then disposed of safely.
According to the Invasive Species Council of BC, goldfish are the most widespread invasive fish in North America, likely due to people releasing pet fish into the wild.
They harm the environment by reducing the clarity of the water, which in turn reduces the amount of sunlight that can reach underwater plants causing habitat loss for native species.
