'Don't Let it Loose' is Okotoks' latest motto as they educate residents about releasing unwanted pets and the effect it can have on the environment.

Since last year the town has been dealing with goldfish in the Crystal Ridge and Drake Landing storm ponds, they originally thought that the non-native fish would have died out but the fish have adapted and multiplied over the year.

Parks Manager Christa Michailuck says the fish could have a serious domino effect.

"The main problem is that these ponds are not isolated structures so they do have out flow devices that do connect to the Sheep River which is a native fisheries habitat. So the concern is that the fish will impact negatively native fish in that Eco-system, and it could be that they are carrying disease, or it could be that they out compete them for food and resources."

Michailuck doesn't know exactly what the outcome would be if the fish were to make the Sheep River their home but she has seen similar cases where fish have been so successful and multiplied so rapidly, that they can consume most of the nutrients in the ecosystem killing off native fish in the area. Which then could lead to the death of other organisms.

Michailuck says the Town thinks the problem stemmed from residents having their own backyard ponds.

"It's a good place to have fish in your yard because that pond likely can't release into a local water way but it does become a challenge to over winter fish. You want to keep them alive and if your pond isn't deep enough you'll have to bring them inside into an aquarium or something and that's likely why some of the fish have ended up in the storm ponds."

The Town encourages residents to ask family and friends that may have similar pets to adopt, check buy and sell sites, connect with local shelters and vet clinics instead of releasing pets into the wild.

Buying native plants and fish is also another solution Michailuck says, "native is always a good idea whether you are gardening or having a pond, plant it with native vegetation and stock it with native fish that are in our ponds already. It's a much better choice rather than using aquarium type fish."

Control methods were planned for the end of August, beginning of September but due to training push backs there is a possibility the eradication of the fish may not take place until next year.

For more information on the 'Don't Let it Loose' campaign visit the link.

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