Don’t Let It Loose

Join the Movement!

Hey there, friendly Canadians! Let’s come together to protect the wondrous places we love by keeping our landscapes and waterways safe from unwanted plants and animals. Join us in saying “No thanks!” to releasing non-native species into the wild!

Why It’s So Important

Did you know pet owners and anglers have accidentally introduced some of Canada’s most troublesome invasive species? It often happens when pets, plants, or bait are improperly disposed of or let go into the wild. These invaders can spread diseases, outcompete our beloved native species, and harm the delicate ecosystems we cherish. Plus, it’s actually against the law to introduce any species into nature without the proper authorization!

Easy Steps to Help Out

Let’s take-action together! Here’s what you can do to help:

  • Don’t release plants and animals into the wild or our precious waterways!
  • Keep your pets, livestock, and game animals safely enclosed.
  • Find better ways to handle plants and animals instead of just releasing them.
  • Get to know how to spot and report common invasive species.

How Invasive Species Spread & What You Can Do

Pet, Pond, & Aquarium Ownership

Many of the plants and animals we buy for our homes or tanks may not be native. Releasing these creatures can put them and the local wildlife at risk!

Best Practices:

  • Never dump your pets or plants into lakes or streams, and please don’t pour aquariums into the wild!
  • Return: Reach out to where you bought your pet; they might take it back!
  • Rehome: Check with local science centers, zoos, or aquariums for a new home.
  • Dispose of unwanted aquatic plants safely by drying and freezing them before tossing them in the trash.
  • Be Kind: If the situation calls for it, you might consider having a vet help with humane euthanasia.

Sportfishing & Live Bait

Releasing live fish without permission can shake things up in our ecosystems. Even dead bait can introduce diseases!

Best Practices:

  • Never transfer live fish between different waterways.
  • Try using artificial bait instead; it’s a safer option!
  • Always buy bait from trustworthy dealers and stick to regional guidelines.
  • Make sure to dispose of leftover bait and fish remains at least 30 meters from the shore.

Live Food Release

Some people might think they’re helping the environment by releasing live food like fish or crabs, but this can lead to serious ecological issues.

Best Practices:

  • Make sure food is dead before you leave the store.
  • Consider volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary instead; it’s a great way to help!

Livestock & Game Release

When livestock and game animals like invasive pigs break free, it can spell trouble for ecosystems and even cause economic losses!

Best Practices:

  • Never let game or livestock go into the wild.
  • Secure those enclosures to keep your animals safe and sound.
  • If you spot invasive species like wild pigs, report it!

The Impact on Indigenous Communities and Fishing

The introduction of invasive species has a significant effect on Indigenous people, especially those who rely on fishing and natural resources. Invasive species can mess with traditional fishing practices, threaten native fish populations, and even degrade water quality. This leads to dwindling fish stocks, which are essential for food security and cultural traditions.

Upper Nicola Band: Invasive Species Impacts on Native Fish Spotlight

The Upper Nicola Band (UNB) is a Syilx community located in British Columbia’s Nicola Valley. In recent years, wildfires and floods have severely impacted UNB’s traditional territory, worsening the spread of invasive species in and around the Nicola River.

Among these challenges is the proliferation of invasive yellow perch and other aquatic invasive species, which are displacing culturally significant native fish and disrupting the Syilx way of life. An upcoming spotlight will highlight UNB’s multi-year efforts to address these impacts and restore balance to the region’s aquatic ecosystems.

These non-native species can change entire ecosystems, harming habitats and reducing the fish catches that communities depend on. It’s crucial to involve Indigenous nations in discussions about managing these species. Their voices are key to creating effective conservation strategies and honouring our shared environmental and cultural values.

Take the Pledge!

Join us and pledge to practice responsible pet ownership, mindful angling, and habitat protection! Your commitment is super important in the fight against invasive species. Please fill out the pledge form below to be part of our growing community dedicated to preserving Canada’s beautiful ecosystems.

Resource Library

We’ve got tons of resources available for our program partners:

  • Fact sheets
  • Stickers and educational materials
  • Bilingual resources in English and French

Check out our Become a Partner page to learn how you can get involved!

Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species

Human actions can spread aquatic invasive species quickly, but we can help! Fisheries and Oceans Canada is collaborating with partners to stop these introductions and enforce crucial regulations.

Let’s work together to keep our waters clean and our ecosystems thriving!