An invasive species was just detected in this city west of Edmonton
Officials in a city just west of Edmonton say an invasive species was detected in a stormwater management facility.
The City of Spruce Grove said in a news release yesterday that it has positively identified invasive goldfish (Carrassius auratus) in the Easton stormwater management facility (SWMF). After extensive consultation with Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA), the City has initiated a comprehensive goldfish management strategy.
Considered an invasive species by the Government of Alberta, goldfish pose several risks to stormwater management facilities and natural aquatic systems, including:
- possibly carrying pathogens that may infect other fish species
- destructive feeding behaviour that increases water turbidity, degrading habitat and reducing food availability for native species
- potential contribution to algal blooms through nutrient cycling and sediment disturbance
“Consultations with AEPA, other municipalities, and several environmental agencies have made it clear that, without treatment, these goldfish will spread, threatening native fish and disrupting aquatic ecosystems,” the City of Spruce Grove stated.
Goldfish pulled from an Alberta pond. (Government of Alberta)
The most effective way to remove goldfish from the SWMF is to use Rotenone – a pesticide specifically used to target fish. Rotenone does not pose a risk to humans, birds, mammals, or pets when properly applied. It also breaks down naturally within weeks of application.
The City says it has contracted a specialized firm to lead the response, and as subject matter experts, they have helped several Alberta municipalities safely and successfully manage goldfish invasions.
Rotenone application will take place at the Easton SWMF in the second week of September, with a second application taking place approximately three weeks later. Specific dates will be provided closer to the time, with additional notifications made directly to residents in the Easton area.
Earlier this year, a large invasive plant species was confirmed in Edmonton for the first time, being found on a private residential property last year.