Aquarium Pets/Water Gardens

Although exotic animals can make great pets and ornamental plants can make beautiful decorations, these species can also be invasive. In fact, some the characteristics, like hardiness and rapid growth, that make certain species desirable for your home are the same characteristics that can contribute to the ability of non-native species to become invasive.

Prevention and education efforts for the aquarium and water garden trade include:

• Invasive Species in Massachusetts - Information for pet owners and pet stores by the Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel.
• Protect your pet, preserve the environment, don’t release exotic species! (PDF, 1.6 MB) - A pamphlet for pet owners.
• Habitattitude - Resources for aquarium hobbyists, backyard pond owners, water gardeners, and others who are concerned about aquatic resource conservation by the ANS Task Force in partnership with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program.
• Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group - A voluntary collaborative representing organizations and professionals concerned with the conservation of the Massachusetts' landscape.
• Invasive Plants - Information maintained by the Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association.
• Invasive Plants - Information maintained by the New England Wildflower Society.
• AIS Management Plan

If you have specific questions about aquarium pets/water gardens and AIS, please contact us.

Other targeted education efforts include:

• Recreational Boating

• Bait Industry/Recreational Fishing

• Seafood

• Aquaculture

• Commercial Shipping

• Research/Education Supply