The Wet Leaf Blog

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As most of us know, some aquatic plants and fish can survive and often flourish in our natural habitats here in Canada. There are several offenders that make it on every invasive species list, often making them illegal to possess or sell. Other lesser known aquatic plants can also be invasive, so it is important to dispose of all aquatic plants properly.

How to dispose of unwanted plants and trimmings.

Do
1) Freeze (at least 24 hours) or Dry.

The Dried/Frozen plants can be sealed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the garbage.

2) Burn, if this is a local option.

3) Compost the plants by burying them, but...

Make sure the plants can not be transported by birds or any other kind of animal.
Make sure that the soil from the composting is not used along the edges of waterbodies, as the seeds can survive composting and get into these habitats.

4) Give or Sell your unwanted aquatic plants and animals to other responsible aquarists.

5) If you are unsure, contact local fish stores, aquarium clubs and government agencies for guidance.



Don't

1) Do not dump unwanted plants from water gardens and aquaria into local waterbodies or water that ultimately lead into larger waterbodies. This includes the releasing of fish and other aquarium/water garden animals.

Storm drains and municipal sewer systems ultimately lead back to water bodies and the treatment process may not properly kill aquatic plants.

2) Do not dispose of aquatic plants anywhere birds and animals can pick them up and transport them.

We have included a few links for Invasive Plants. (Its a working list)

British Columbia
https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/invasive-species/prohibited.htm
Alberta
http://aep.alberta.ca/fish-wildlife/invasive-species/aquatic-invasive-species/documents/FS-DontLetItLoose-SpeciesList-2016.pdf
Saskatchewan
http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=f261b408-d5e3-4a45-831a-c81e5d33a636
Manitoba
http://invasivespeciesmanitoba.com/site/index.php?page=aquatic-species
Ontario
https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/2677/stdprod-104351.pdf
Quebec
PEI
http://peiinvasives.ca
Newfound land
Nova Scotia
https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/documents/2677/stdprod-104351.pdf

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