Habitattitude | Protect Our Environment | Do Not Release Fish and Aquatic Plants

Prevention

Adopt these Alternatives to Release as responsible consumer behaviors

Through the leadership of the national Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, a group of resource conservation professionals came together with industry representatives to develop several alternatives for properly releasing or disposing of unwanted aquatic plants or fish. These Alternatives are the foundation for the Habitattitude^TM campaign, and serve as responsible aquarist, pond owner or water gardener behaviors with respect to conserving our environment.

Ornamental fish and aquatic plants represent the majority of live species purchased by aquarists, backyard pond owners and water gardeners. Oftentimes, these species require special care and environmental conditions. If you have recently acquired any of these species and you have found that they do not fit in with the other plants and animals in your system, Habitattitude^TM encourages you to choose one of these alternatives, instead of releasing these species into our environment.

• Contact retailer for proper handling advice or for possible returns
• Give/trade with another aquarist, pond owner, or water gardener
• Donate to a local aquarium society, school, or aquatic business
• Seal aquatic plants in plastic bags and dispose in trash
• Contact veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance about humane disposal of animals