The Problem

​Many of the plants and animals sold for water gardens and hobby aquariums can invade and cause harm to our natural areas. If accidentally or intentionally released into our waterways, they can degrade natural areas by decreasing native biodiversity, reducing the amount of food available to fish and wildlife, introducing diseases to wild populations, and changing how ecosystems function.

Aquatic invaders can also degrade water quality and become a nuisance for shoreline property owners. Once introduced, they can be expensive to control and are often impossible to eradicate. ​​​The best way to protect aquatic environments is to prevent the introduction and spread of invaders.

You can Help

By following these simple steps, you can help protect our natural areas from the harmful effects of aquatic invaders available in the marketplace:
PLANTS
Bag and place in the trash.
​Seeds, plants, and plant parts can spread and colonize new areas if they are not disposed of properly.
ANIMALS
Find a new owner or seek advice on humane disposal.
Never release fish, snails, turtles, frogs, or other animals into the wild. They can cause ecological and economic harm and displace native species.
WATER
Disinfect or repurpose.
​Water can carry disease, eggs, seeds or plant parts that could spread invaders if not disposed of properly. 

Can’t Keep Your Aquatic Pet? 

Releasing aquarium and water garden pets can hurt them and the environment. 
​Bring them to us instead!
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant will be hosting aquatic pet "take-back" events in Chicagoland. At these events, pet owners can turn in aquatic pets that they're no longer able to care for to the Aquarium Fish Sanctuary. 
  • Please note that at this time, only fish and aquatic invertebrates will be accepted. Invertebrates include animals such as crayfish and snails.
  • Space is limited! Email us to reserve space for your pet at BeAHeroReleaseZero@gmail.com.
  • ​There will be no penalties for turning in regulated species.
  • Nothing to turn in? Come see the Aquarium Fish Sanctuary's aquatic animal exhibit.

Event Details
THIS WEEKEND!
Saturday September 9th, 10am – Noon
Waukegan Harbor
55 S Harbor Pl, Waukegan, IL 60085
​
UPCOMING!
Saturday October 14th, 10am - Noon
​Evanston Ecology Center 
2024 McCormick Blvd, Evanston, IL 60201

Report new sightings

Early detection of new populations is critical to controlling the spread of aquatic invaders from one waterbody to another. Report new sightings of aquatic invaders here.

it's The LAw

In Illinois, it is illegal to release or introduce any plant, animal, or fish into any waterbody other than the one from which it came.

Illinois also prohibits certain plants and animals from being bought and sold within the state. Summaries of these regulations are available for both buyers and sellers of live aquatic organisms. 

Aquatic Invaders in the Marketplace

Native and non-invasive plants and animals are available in the marketplace and can be used instead of invaders. Examples of these non-invasive alternatives can be found on the ​the TakeAIM website. This site also contains prevention tips for classroom pet owners, aquarium hobbyists, aquaculture producers, and water garden enthusiasts. Outreach publications and links to state, and federal contacts for learning more about aquatic invaders are also available on that website.

Another way to avoid using aquatic invaders is to purchase animals by their Latin or scientific names. Many fish, crayfish, snails, turtles, and water garden plants are sold by their common or generic names. These names can sometimes refer to many different species, both invaders and non-invaders. Using their scientific names can help avoid mistakes.

Take the pledge

Join the fight by taking a pledge to prevent the spread of aquatic invaders. Check the boxes in the form below and press submit to take the pledge.

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Resources

Many handouts, flyers, and other outreach tools for aquarium hobbyists and water gardeners are available for free. These are available here. Be A Hero—Release Zero resources are available here.