Vaduz (ots) -

Overgrown aquarium plants, abandoned turtles, introduced diseases: Anyone who releases non-native animals or plants from an aquarium or garden pond into the wild risks causing significant damage to biodiversity and infrastructure—and is liable to prosecution. The Office of Environment, in collaboration with Swiss cantons, is therefore informing owners of aquariums or garden ponds about what to do if they can no longer or no longer wish to keep animals or plants.

What looks pretty in an aquarium or pond can quickly become a problem in our waterways. One example is the invasive aquatic plant “Nuttall’s waterweed” (Elodea nuttallii), which originates from North America. It is extremely hardy, undemanding, and does not die off in winter. In the spring, it sprouts again in full force and becomes nearly impossible to control. Its presence in the wild has its origin in the draining of aquariums or garden ponds. In Liechtenstein’s waters, this waterweed currently occurs only sporadically, for example in the Mölibach near Gamprin. This makes it all the more important to prevent it from spreading to other bodies of water through improper actions.

Released non-native animals and plants harm nature

There is often a simple reason why non-native species end up in the wild, and this becomes particularly relevant as summer vacation approaches: Anyone going on vacation must ensure that the plants and animals in their aquarium are cared for. If owners are no longer able or willing to do so, aquarium inhabitants are, unfortunately, repeatedly released into streams, rivers, or ponds—in the belief that they are setting the animals or plants free. However, this well-intentioned act usually has fatal consequences: Either the animals and plants do not survive, or they establish themselves as invasive species and cause significant damage.

Goldfish and red-eared sliders, for example, can eat all the food in an entire pond, thereby endangering rare amphibian and insect species. Non-native shrimp and amphipods, in turn, displace native invertebrates and disrupt the food web in our waters. Large crayfish native to North America transmit crayfish plague—a disease that is fatal to native crayfish species.

It is therefore prohibited to release non-native animals and plants into the wild or to empty aquarium water into bodies of water.

Recommendations if you can no longer care for animals or plants:


- Look for a new home among friends and acquaintances or through reputable platforms, or contact a rescue center.
- If no solution can be found: Consult a veterinarian.
- Dispose of aquatic plants in the trash or at a professional composting facility.
- Dispose of aquarium water exclusively through the sewer system—not into bodies of water.

However, it’s even better to choose native species from the start: They’re not only diverse and attractive, but also ecologically valuable.

The cantons participating in the campaign are Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt, Bern, Fribourg, Glarus, Graubünden, Lucerne, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Ticino, Thurgau, Vaud, Valais, Zug, and Zurich, as well as the Principality of Liechtenstein.

Press Contact:

Office of Environment, Neobiota Bureau
Oliver Müller
T +423 236 64 09
oliver.mueller@llv.li