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The City of Lethbridge is hosting Goldfish Derby Days on July 8 and August 3, 2023. (Photo 173598 © Heidi Schneider | Dreamstime.com)

Goldfish Derby Days returns to Lethbridge this summer

Jul 5, 2023 | 2:07 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Residents in Lethbridge are invited to learn more about fish this summer.

The City of Lethbridge is hosting its Goldfish Derby Days, allowing citizens a chance to learn more about invasive goldfish and koi that are found in local stormponds.

On July 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and later on August 3 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., officials will be holding Derby Days at Chinook Lake.

The focus will be on the removal of invasive goldfish and koi in area stormponds. Residents and visitors who have a valid fishing license can help fish out the creatures, with educational materials posted around the pond. Members of the Parks department, Water, Wastewater and Stormwater department, along with representatives from Alberta Environment will be on site.

The City of Lethbridge stated that goldfish and koi are non-native, provincially listed invasive species introduced into storm ponds that cause problems for the native species and habitat. This means they must be removed to create a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Full removal of the goldfish and koi will take place at Chinook Lake and Elma Groves Pond in September with the use of Rotenone, a naturally occurring complex that is not hazardous to human, pet or wildlife health, only gilled species.

Chinook Lake Park is located at 265 Bluefox Boulevard North. More about goldfish mitigation is available at the City of Lethbridge website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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