The first treatment of rotenone at Sylvan Lake's Lakeway Landing Storm Pond has proved to be highly effective.
The treatment removed 441 of the invasive goldfish from the pond.
Prior to using rotenone, 14,000 goldfish were manually removed in 2023, environment services manager Monique Johnson said.
However, while the Town is confident that the treatment eliminated all of the fish, rotenone does not affect the fish's eggs.
"Rotenone does not kill eggs, so we must wait for them to hatch. That’s why we are doing a second application of rotenone," Johnson said.
Goldfish eggs usually hatch three to five days after being laid, she added.
"All eggs will have hatched within the three weeks between doses."
The second treatment will be done on Oct. 15 depending on the weather.
"The second dose should stay active until late November. This gives us great coverage to ensure all fish and eggs are dead," Johnson said.
In the spring the Town will continue to monitor the pond.
"We are hoping for complete removal of the goldfish, and that's why we are monitoring the pond closely," she said.
Currently, fencing is set up around the pond and it is important for people to follow signage and stay out of the fenced area.
It is also important for individuals to understand that the process could start all over again if they abandon their pets into the pond, or any other water body, Johnson said.
"We ask that Lakers and visitors re-home their goldfish or other pets. If you can no longer care for your fish, there are many ways to find them a safe and loving forever home."
Options for re-homing a pet include:
- Giving them away online using websites like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji
- Taking them back to the pet store
- Calling the Central Alberta Humane Society
Individuals who have questions about the project can ask them on the Engage Sylvan Lake website, engage.sylvanlake.ca/lakeway-landing-pond.
