The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is conducting a survey of aquarium and water garden pond owners in the state. We need your advice to help us prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive plants and animals to Minnesota's waters. Invasive species are non-native species that present risks to Minnesota’s fish, wildlife, plants, water quality, recreation and human health.
Many invasive species have been introduced through global shipping but hobbies that involve live organisms, such as aquariums and ponds, have also led to the introduction and spread of some invasive species. Some examples of invasive species that have unfortunately been found in the wild in the Great Lakes region through these pathways include goldfish, red-eared sliders, flowering rush and Brazilian waterweed.
In 2019 the DNR met with representatives of the pond and aquarium industry and hobby groups to discuss how to prevent the spread of invasive species. All participants agreed that they had a role to play and felt that more information was needed to determine how best to proceed. In the spirit of cooperation, the DNR seeks to better understand aquarium and pond owners’ motivations, concerns and practices to improve our programs and outreach. We want to know how we can improve our educational materials, the best ways to communicate with you, where you like to get your aquarium plants and animals, and what you do with animals and plants you can no longer care for.
Please help us to protect our natural resources and provide better service to aquarium and pond owners by taking the survey.
Want more information? Check out these webpages:
- Trade pathways for invasive species introductions
- Hobbyists: Responsible buyers
- Businesses: Pet and Aquarium and Horticulture