This special organization was started to eliminate the illegal dumping of tropical fish, and amphibians into our Canadian waterways. The information below  has been copied from a brochure that was published to explain this serious problem to the concerned hobbyists.
Most aquarium fish, reptiles, plants, crayfish, snails, frogs, salamanders, and turtles are not native to Ontario. Releasing them into a lake, river, pond or wetland could establish a new population which has environmental and economic impacts. Awareness  and common sense will help prevent the introduction of these non-native species into Ontario's waters.

Most Aquarium Pets Are From Southern Climates

Most aquarium plants and animals sold in pet stores are imported from Florida, Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. However some of the species used in aquariums are tolerant of colder climates and can survive over winter in Ontario.

The Release Of Aquarium Pets Is A Problem.

Numerous discoveries of aquarium pets and plants in Ontario waters are reported each year. Many more sightings or releases go unreported. Most aquarium owners are not aware that releasing aquarium pets and plants could have serious impact on our environment.  The following are examples of some of the more common aquarium species that have been reported in Ontario.
Fanwort (cabomba caroliniana) is an aquarium plant that was discovered in Kasshabog Lake near Peterborough in July 1999. It can form dense stands, crowding out other native plants, clogging drainage canals and streams, interfering with recreational uses  (Swimming or boating) and the appearance of the lake. It also has the potential to displace other native aquatic plant species, alter fish communities and disrupt the natural processes in shallow lakes and bays.

Aquarium fish such as the pacu, Oscar, or piranha are discovered in Ontario's waters each year. Contrary to popular belief several species of aquarium fish are tolerant of cooler waters and could become established in Ontario. In 1999 four pacu caught  by anglers were reported. One of these was found in a warm water outflow were they have and increased chance of surviving the winter and becoming established. The red-eared slider is the most common turtle sold in pet stores. They have been reported to  carry Salmonella bacteria and they compete with the native turtles for food and nesting areas. They do consume large quantities of aquatic vegetation. Although native to the Gulf of Mexico region they have been found in Ontario waters and wetlands.

It Isn't Good for Your Pet
Although you may think you are doing them a favor, releasing aquarium animals into Ontario waters is NOT a humane way to dispose of an unwanted pet. Aquarium pets may die soon after release due to other predators or temperature extremes or may even die  slowly due to starvation, parasites, and diseases. Either way you have certainly not done your pet a favor.

It Isn't Good For the Environment
Non-native species introduced to a new environment often do not have predators or competitors for food and habitat. Therefore they can grow rapidly, establish large populations, disrupt the natural food chain, out-compete and displace native species.  When this happens our natural ecosystems can be over-taken by these less desirable species. Aquarium pets can also transmit bacteria parasites or diseases to native species that can result in a decline in their population. They have also been known to  hybridize with native species which could lead to the loss of native species. Aquarium water may contain fertilized eggs, pieces of aquatic plants, parasites, or organisms that are not visible to the eye. Dumping aquarium water into a stream, lake, wetland,  pond, drainage ditch, or storm sewer, could result in a new species becoming established in the wild.

It Isn't Good For Us or Our Economy

Introduced aquarium plants or animals can spread quickly, be persistent, and can become a nuisance if they are overabundant in a lake, river, or wetland. This can impair swimming, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing opportunities and businesses that support  these activities. Once established, introduced species are almost impossible to eradicate. The desire to maintain recreational benefits can result in long-term, expensive control programs. Increased communication and awareness programs, regulations and  enforcement may be required to control their spread.

You Can Help

The release of aquarium fish is illegal and harmful. You can help by doing the following. Know your fish before you buy! Some species, such as the pacu, will require a large aquarium when they grow to full size. Fish size is not restricted by tank size.  Drain aquarium water on dry land. Never release or flush unwanted aquarium pets, or aquarium plants, or water into natural water, drainage ditches or sewers. Dispose of aquarium plants simply by drying or burning them. Donate unwanted aquarium fish, snails,  or plants to a Fish & Reptile Rescue, pet store, and school or aquarium hobbyist. Advertise to give them away for free.
Find a home for an unwanted aquarium pet through the Fish Rescue Program. This includes reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, mollusks, aquatic plants and such, as well as fish, from the aquarium hobby. Just call (S.C.F.R) South Coast Fish Rescue at 519-426-9503  or call Kitchener at 519-575-9147. To contact the founder George Lewis geolewis@tattoo-art.ca

If you have any of these pets you want to donate or any aquarium supplies you no longer need. Someone will call or email you to arrange the pick-up of whatever you have. We need everything in order to house and care for these pets that are constantly  being rescued every day of the week. Food and medication are always a good donation as long as they are not out-dated.
For information on exotic species and how to prevent their spread or to report a new sighting of an exotic species, call the toll-free Invading Species Hotline at 1-888-563-7711. If you must give up your aquarium pets and plants, please consider their  well being as well as their potential impact on the environment.
Spread the word and take action to prevent the introduction and spread of aquarium species in the wild. This will help protect the environment and sustain the recreational and economic benefits that result from healthy fisheries and clean waters. Contact  an executive member of our Recue Organization, you will be contacted to make arrangements to have the items picked up.

Remember!  taking your big fish or reptiles to a pet store to give them away is not the proper thing to do, unless you know that they have a big enough tank to house the fish or reptile until they sell it for a hugh profit. I  constantly go into small pet stores and see fish 12" in length in a tank that is only 15-20" in length. This is cruel and unnecessary and by no means is the welfare of the fish being considered here. We have over 60 big tanks over 65 gallon up to 135  gal so far. And maybe we have something smaller that you might want in trade for as well. If you really care about the fish, donate them to the a proper rescue organization.