Don't Let it Loose

Help prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.

Never release aquarium pets and contents, plants, live food species (e.g., fish, crabs, molluscs) or bait bucket contents into water bodies, toilets or storm sewers. 

Never move sport fish from one body of water to another to create angling opportunities. Sport fish may only be released back into the waters from which they were caught (e,g., catch-and-release).

Releasing any organism into a body of water without authorization is illegal. 

Illegal introductions can have unintended, severe consequences to native species and aquatic ecosystems. There is potential to start an invasion or introduce parasites and diseases to native species

 

Bait

The four species of Asian carps - Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, Grass carp and Black Carp are prohibited in Manitoba and Canada. When young, these non-native Asian carps can be mistaken as small-bodied bait species. 

Silver carp, known as “flying carp”, can leap 2.5-3 metres (8-10 ft) into the air when startled. These fish have voracious appetites consuming up to 40 percent of their body mass each day. They commonly reach 1 m (~3 ft) in length and weigh 36 kg (80 lbs). In the Mississippi River, numerous boaters have been severely injured by collisions with Silver Carp. 

Asian Carps are a threat to Manitoba. They can outcompete native species, disrupt aquatic vegetation, alter aquatic food webs, threaten biodiversity and can jeopardize recreational and commercial fishing industries.

To learn more, click here to be taken to the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans' Asian Carp page.

 

Aquatic pets and plants

Releasing aquarium pets, plants and water into natural water bodies is never the right thing. Goldfish, for example, are invasive when released into natural water bodies. They are adaptable, have high reproductive rates and can carry harmful; parasites and diseases which can negatively affect native species. 

If you can no longer care for an aquarium pet or plant, trying to find another caregiver, donate to a school, or check online for pet rehoming/adoption options.

Alternatively, unwanted pets should be humanely euthanized. 

Never flush your fish! Dispose of pets responsibly, place deceased pets and plants in the trash.

You can stop the spread - Don't let it loose (redirect to Fisheries and Oceans Canada).