Our Don’t dump that fish program aims to help manage the risk of ornamental fish becoming pests in Western Australia’s oceans and waterways, with the help of fish owners and the ornamental fish industry.
The deliberate or accidental release of aquatic plants and animals into man-made and natural waterways can lead to pest species establishing themselves in the wild, like the koi carp pictured below. This can have devastating impacts on our native species and aquatic environment. Once established, pests can be very difficult if not impossible to eradicate.
If you no longer want your fish, give them to an aquarium, a friendly organisation or someone else willing to take them. For example, the Koi Society of WA has an unwanted koi service. If you can’t find a new home for your fish, or if they are sick or diseased, dispose of them humanely. Visit the RSPCA website for advice on how to humanely euthanase fish.
A range of resources has been developed to support the Don't dump that fish program and are available for you to use and distribute.
A video has also been produced by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, supported by DPIRD.