Goldfish Dumping Poses Risk to Native Fish
Pet goldfish that were illegally released into a lake are threatening the native fish species, according to the Environment Agency.
The agency has collaborated with staff at Milton Country Park, located near Cambridge, to transform one of its ponds into a sanctuary for crucian carp, a protected native species in the UK.
Recently, 20 goldfish were released into Halls Pool at the park, which the agency says endangers "the entire stock [of carp] at risk of disease and viral infections".
Efforts to Remove Goldfish Underway
So far, Environment Agency staff have captured 15 goldfish, with an additional one caught by a child. They are continuing efforts to remove the remaining four goldfish from the lake.
In a Facebook post, the Environment Agency stated:
"It puts the entire population of crucians at risk from hybridisation and loss of their unique DNA structure.
This means unless we remove all of the goldfish we may have lost this lake for ever in terms of the true crucian carp population."
Crucian Carp Thriving in Milton Park
The agency noted that the carp have "absolutely thrived in the weedy conditions of the lake" at Milton, to the extent that "we have been able to trap several hundred and move them to a second lake nearby to create another population of true crucians."
Advice on Responsible Fish Ownership
While acknowledging that the goldfish were likely not released with harmful intent, the agency emphasized the risks of introducing ornamental fish into natural water bodies.
They advised:
"If your fish have outgrown your pond or tank then please try and rehome them sensibly to another fully enclosed ornamental pond or tank rather than releasing them into rivers and lakes."
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