Goldfish Management Program

In 2015, the City initiated a program to remove the goldfish from the Edgewater stormwater management facility (SWMF). The program consisted of drawing down the water level, electrofishing to remove some of the fish and using winter conditions to freeze the remaining water. Unfortunately, this management technique was unsuccessful and live, invasive fish remained in the pond. Netting was also attempted, with very limited success.

When the program was initiated in Edgewater stormwater management facility (SMF), additional locations were identified to have goldfish - Ted Hole Stormwater Management Facility and Lacombe Lake. In 2017, the City completed a chemical treatment of Edgewater SWMF and Ted Hole SWMF. The program was deemed a success, as staff removed an estimated 45,000 goldfish from both sites. The City will continue to collaborate with the province to identify approaches for the removal of fish or mitigate the risks they present, and to monitor for any new introductions.

20 plus large Goldfish pulled out of Lacombe Lake Park

giant 3 foot goldfish pulled out of Lacombe Lake Park

Don't let it loose

Asian Goldfish have been deemed as an invasive species and are a threat to the natural ecosystems and the operations of stormwater systems. The City would like to advise that anyone who can no longer care for their domestic goldfish should speak to their local pet retailers or veterinarian about donating their fish to an aquarium or pond owner or learn about humane disposal. Information can be found at the Government of Alberta website. Releasing live fish into natural or human-made water bodies is illegal and can result in penalties.

Residents are not permitted to catch or remove any fish from a stormwater management facility. The removal of invasive species requires a special license from Provincial regulators to research, remove and eradicate the fish.