AQUARISTS

The tendency of Caulerpa taxifolia and other Caulerpa species to rapidly overtake aquariums through their prolific growth often leads to the need to either discard it from the tank or routinely thin it.

Careless disposal of this seaweed can lead to its introduction into the wild.

Caulerpa simply washed from a front yard into the gutter could survive the trip down the storm drain and into nearby bays, estuaries, lagoons, creeks or the ocean, where it could easily become established and start a new infestation. Even a 1-millimeter piece of Caulerpa can grow to form a new infestation.

• Do not use, buy, sell or distribute the banned Caulerpa species for use in saltwater aquariums.
• NEVER release Caulerpa or any aquarium contents (including water) into gutters, storm drains, creeks, bays, estuaries or the ocean.
• Properly dispose of Caulerpa by freezing it in a bag for 24 hours and placing it in the trash; drain aquarium water into a sink or toilet.
• Report sightings of banned Caulerpa species in aquarium stores and pet stores.

Aquarium owners who find themselves no longer able to care for their saltwater aquarium systems may feel that the humane course of action is to release the contents into the wild. However, this is a misguided belief. Few species kept in saltwater aquaria are native to this area, and most would perish when released into the wild. Others are particularly adaptable and would become established in their new environment, facing none of the predators and diseases that would normally keep them in check in their natural ecosystem.

While the vast majority of saltwater aquarists handle their pets responsibly, a single careless disposal of aquarium water, sediment, rocks, seaweed, plant or animals can result in a marine bioinvasion.

Help prevent invasions. Never release the contents of your aquarium into the wild!