Goldfish invasion discovered in Chaska lake system

CHASKA, MN — Thousands of gold and black fish were discovered in the water of the Grace Chain of Lakes during a recent water quality check by a Carver County Water Management Organization staff member.

According to Lara Bockenstedt, writing for the Chaska Herald, the swarm of brightly colored fish were goldfish, an invasive species and common household pet that often enters lakes and rivers when owners tire of the pet and release it.

“You see the orange first and that’s what captures your attention,” said Madeline Seveland with the Water Management organization. “But then you see a smokey-colored plume in the water that’s dotted with gold, and realize that it’s all goldfish.”

The Chaska Herald says talks have begun to explore management strategies. Because the thousands of goldfish are likely spread throughout the Grace Chain of Lakes, efforts have to be large-scale with extensive funding and planning.

Goldfish can cause “great” harm to lakes and rivers, Seveland said, and often compound already-existing water quality problems.

The newspaper said it’s not the first time Carver County Water Management Organization staff have found goldfish in lakes while out monitoring, but it the first time populations have been found this dense in one area here.

While it’s unknown how exactly the fish got there, it’s likely one or more individuals illegally dumped pet goldfish. Seveland said there are thousands of goldfish, which are likely spread across the chain of lakes.

Sevelend said once established, there is no easy solution to removing an invasive pecies like goldfish.

According to the Chaska Herald, Big Woods Lake is part of the Grace Chain of Lakes, which includes five connected lakes. To be most effective with management, a project would need to target all five lakes.

The newspaper sad Carver County Water Management Organization is looking at methods to address the water quality issues in the chain of lakes, and some of these strategies would also address the goldfish. The methods being considered require broader engineering, planning and funding.

Seveland said the best immediate action is to continue to increase awareness that released pets can impact water resources and wildlife, and that better options are available.

The newspaper says if you have a pet you no longer want or can’t care for, the appropriate thing to do is find it a new home. Donate it or take it to a surrender event. Surrender events are usually free and open to the public.

You can bring aquatic animals and plants and the hosting organization will help to find them new homes. The Minnesota Aquarium Society has an upcoming surrender event on April 27 in Bloomington. You can also check with local veterinarians and pet stores for surrender and new home opportunities.

Minnesota state law says that live fish cannot be transported without the appropriate permit. A fishing license allows an individual to fish for them with hook and line, but you cannot transport them live. A fishing license is not a permit to transport live fish.

The Water Management organization wants to discourage any movement of these fish. They are invasive and moving them increases the risk they could escape into another lake or river. The group said you cannot use them as bait.