Ballast water and recreational boating are some ways invasive species can be introduced in Michigan waters. Another way is through the dumping of pet fish.
DNR officials said pet fish dumping is among the main sources of introducing invasive species into Michigan waters.
Seth Herbst is an aquatic invasive species coordinator for the DNR fisheries division.
“Pet release in one that we’re concerned about just because we don’t always have a good grasp on what is being sold for pets within the state, both from a fish health perspective but also from an invasive species perspective.”
Herbst said on top of the fact these fish can multiply and interfere with native fish food supplies, they also carry unfamiliar diseases and can wipe out small populations within a small water body.
“So if multiple fish species are introduced into a water body they can establish their own population and in some cases can become very abundant.”
He said the DNR receives reports throughout the state of species that they believe came from the pet trade and are now living in the wild.
Herbst said there are a number of ways to dispose of fish that don’t threaten Michigan waters and fish communities.
More information on fish dumping and disposing of pet fish properly can be found at the DNR’s website.