This is an article by the Department of Fisheries

The Department of Fisheries’ "don’t dump that fish" campaign was launched in October by Western Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Lyn Beazley. It is part of the Department‘s program to improve the State’s aquatic biosecurity defences.

The campaign is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Food, the aquarium industry, and the Perth Cichlid Society. It is designed to raise awareness of the impacts of releasing unwanted aquarium fish, snails and plants into waterways, toilets, drains or the ocean. It will also provide advice on how to responsibly dispose of such unwanted pets.

To help spread the word, "don’t dump that fish" posters, brochures and fish bag stickers have been produced for aquariums retailers around the State.

“The wider community is a huge resource in the fight to prevent aquatic pests entering and establishing in WA. Industry-supported programs, such as this ‘Don’t dump that fish’ campaign, are powerful ways of engaging many people on aquatic biosecurity issues,” Professor Beazley said.

“With millions of fish being transported around the globe, importation of aquarium fish is potentially a major source of invasive species.”

“Given the difficulties in eradicating pests once they are established, the Department’s focus is on prevention by ensuring key stakeholders, such as the ornamental fish industry, have access to relevant information,” she said.

“Fish owners who no longer want their fish are encouraged to give them to other responsible owners or an organisation with an aquarium, or to seek advice from their local pet shop.”

“If you are unable to find a new home for your fish, or if the fish are sick or diseased, please dispose of them responsibly and humanely.”

Advice on how to dispose of them is included in the new brochure, which can also be found on the Department of Fisheries’ website at www.fish.wa.gov.au/biosecurity or visit www.kb.rspca.org.au and search using the term ‘humanely euthanase fish’.

Sightings of suspected aquatic pests should be reported to the department’s FISHWATCH service on 1800 815 507, or via email to biosecurity, or through the free WA PestWatchapp, which can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Pictured: Department of Fisheries Director General (Stuart Smith) with WA’s Chief Scientist Professor Lyn Beazley at the campaign launch.

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Yours sincerely,

Dr Richmond Loh DipProjMgt, BSc, BVMS, MPhil (Pathology) Murdoch, MANZCVS (Aquatics & Pathobiology), CertAqV.
Aquatic Veterinarian | Adjunct Lecturer Murdoch University | President-elect WAVMA |
Secretary Aquatic Animal Health Chapter – ANZCVS.
The Fish Vet, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA. Mobile Veterinary Medical & Diagnostic Services for fish and other aquatic creatures.
http://www.thefishvet.com.au
Ph: +61 (0)421 822 383

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