Sylvan Lake continues to swim towards invasive goldfish eradication

After securing a small amount of liquid Rotenone from a municipality in Nova Scotia, the Town of Sylvan Lake was able to to administer a first round of treatment to eliminate invasive goldfish residing in a storm water pond.

Town officials say the first treatment was “highly effective” and eliminated 441 goldfish. They are confident this treatment helped them remove all of the live fish, however Rotenone does not affect goldfish eggs.

A second treatment was planned for 2025 but will instead take place on October 15, depending on weather conditions. Sylvan Lake representatives say doing it this year saves money, and that the pond drains are already plugged and fencing will remain up for the time being.

During the second treatment, they will target newly hatched eggs and will pump down the water level in an effort to ensure as much as success as possible.