The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reminds members of the Uintah Basin that it is illegal to introduce fish – including aquarium species – by releasing any species into a Utah pond, stream or lake. Also included as illegal is transporting live fish from one water to another and fishing with live bait. It is a fallacy to think releasing pet fish into Utah water is freeing them. They are more likely to slowly starve to death or become a tasty meal for a predator. In addition, the fish could harm the ecosystem by introducing harmful pathogens or parasites to native populations, outcompete native species for limited food resources, prey directly on native species or become an invasive species. “Once illegally introduced fish become established in a waterbody, the fish community there is forever changed,” DNR states. “ Fisheries ruined by aquarium fish require expensive chemical treatments and hundreds of hours in planning and restoration. Don’t ditch your pet fish.” Report observations of illegal introductions by calling
1-800-662-3337
.
