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. 

Report sightings

Early detection of new populations is critical to controlling the spread of aquatic invaders from one waterbody to another. Report sightings of aquatic invaders through the Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Program.

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. ​

Avoiding 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.

Alternatives to pet release

Pets are often released into the environment because their owners no longer want them or may be struggling to care for them. This can be extremely harmful to both the pet and the environment. Aquatic animals that have been kept as pets usually lack necessary survival skills such as the ability to find food or to adjust to environmental conditions including temperature extremes. When they do survive, they sometimes thrive at the expense of native species.
​
Fortunately, individuals who own aquatic pets have alternatives to release.

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.

Resources

Many handouts, flyers, and other outreach tools for aquarium hobbyists and water gardeners are available for free. These are available through TakeAIM. Be A Hero—Release Zero resources are available through the Illinois Natural History Survey shop.

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