Fish Surrender Event - Grand Rapids

October 26, 2024 11:00AM - 3:00PM

453 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Contact: Paige Filice

The Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes program (RIPPLE) is partnering with the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery in Grand Rapids to host a free Exotic Fish Surrender Event on Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The public is welcome to surrender common freshwater aquarium species including fish, plants, crayfish, and snails for free. No other species will be accepted such as small mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. The event will take place at the Water Colors Aquarium Gallery store located at 453 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

The goal of the event is to offer a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to releasing unwanted aquarium species into Michigan’s lakes and streams. Many plants and animals found in aquariums have been imported from other parts of the world and while they are fun to enjoy, they can be harmful and invasive if they are released into the wild. Popular non-native plants and fish are bred to grow quickly and be environmentally hardy, making them excellent additions to household aquariums but sometimes detrimental if introduced to our native ecosystems. It is never safe to release unwanted water garden or aquarium plants and animals into natural waterways.

RIPPLE's education initiatives are coordinated by Michigan State University Extension in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. RIPPLE is funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

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  • center for lakes and streams,
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  • cls aquatic invasive species,
  • cls plants and animals,
  • fisheries & wildlife,
  • invasive species,
  • lakes streams & watershed,
  • msu extension,
  • natural resources,
  • ripple,
  • Center for Lakes and Streams
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