Campbell River removes over 1,700 invasive goldfish from local pond

The City of Campbell River has announced efforts to remediate the Erickson Stormwater Pond is now complete, with the removal of 1,746 invasive goldfish. 

According to the City, these goldfish were unnaturally introduced to the pond and were harming the natural environment.

The removal work took two weeks to complete and required the pond to have much of the water removed. 

Additionally, the work’s scope called for the relocation of salamanders and newts, which was also successful.  

Now that the work is complete, the City says trails in the area have been re-opened.

“The number and size of the goldfish that had to be removed really shows why this species is such a challenge when released to nature,” said Steve Roehr, Operations Manager, Utilities. 

“They multiply quickly and grow to be big – and that edges out native species.”

The City hired an independent environmental contractor to obtain extensive environmental permits to complete the work

A follow up remediation effort is likely to be required in order to make sure the removal is complete.

According to the City, the goldfish population at Erickson Pond exploded in the way it did due to the fish being into the wild. 

Campbell River encourages residents and property owners to learn more about invasive species and how to properly dispose of both animals and plants that are otherwise unnatural to local ecosystems.