Aquariums and water gardens add beauty and tranquility to our homes. Many plants and animals that we use in aquariums and backyard ponds have been imported from other parts of the world. While they are excellent to enjoy they may be harmful to Michigan's native ecosystems if they are released into the wild. Although Michigan’s winter temperatures stop some exotic species from reproducing in our lakes and streams, this is not always the case. Some species survive and thrive, negatively impacting the environment, decreasing recreational opportunities and causing severe economic consequences.
It is never safe to release water garden or aquarium plants and animals into the natural environment, even if they appear to be dead.
Together we can keep Michigan’s waterways healthy and pure
- Never release an aquatic plant or animal into a waterway (lake, river, storm drains, retention ponds)
- Give or trade unwanted fish or plants with another hobbyist, retailer, environmental learning center, aquarium or zoo. Use the RIPPLE Fresh Water Protector network map to find a participating retailer nearest you.
- Unwanted hitchhiking species are common. Inspect and rinse any new plants to rid them of seeds, plant fragments, snails and fish.
- Build water gardens away from other waters. Check out the MSU Extension Smart Gardening fact sheet on water gardening to learn more.
- Contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance on humane disposal of animals.
RIPPLE Exotic Fish Surrender Event
Never release unwanted aquarium or water garden pets into the wild. At this surrender event we will be accepting common aquatic species including freshwater fish, plants, crayfish and snails. No reptiles or amphibians allowed.
RIPPLE Fresh Water Protector Network
Looking to rehome fish, crayfish, snails, or other organisms commonly found in aquariums or water gardens? RIPPLE partners with retailers across the state to ensure they have the tools necessary to answer your rehoming questions. Many independent retailers may also accept unwanted organisms if they are in healthy condition. They can also point you to other rehoming resources. Use the map below to find the nearest RIPPLE Fresh Water Protector.
Aquarium and Water Garden MSU Extension News
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Found a frog in your food? Don’t let it loose.
Published on August 14, 2023
What to do if you find a stowaway. -
RIPPLE partners with Motor City Aquarium Society to host Exotic Fish Surrender Event
Published on August 1, 2023
Do you have aquarium or water garden pets you can no longer care for? Surrender unwanted freshwater fish, crayfish, snails, and plants at the first-ever RIPPLE surrender event August 10 in Warren. -
Invasive yellow floating heart: A previously popular water garden plant causes problems in Michigan’s lakes and ponds
Published on June 28, 2023
The invasive yellow floating heart was once common in water gardens across Michigan, but has been a prohibited plant in Michigan for over a decade. -
Educational packaging coming to a local pet and pond retailer near you
Published on June 15, 2023
The RIPPLE program reminds pond and aquarium keepers to be responsible owners and never release unwanted plants or pets into waterways.
The Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) program offers information to aquarium and water gardener professionals, retailers and hobbyists about what to do with unwanted plants and animals so they are not introduced into Michigan's lakes and streams.
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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