Dumping unwanted fish and aquatic plants into our ocean and streams is harmful to the aquatic environment.

The floating water fern, Salvinia molesta, cost the state $1.2 million dollars when it covered Lake Wilson in 2003. The thick growth cut off water access for birds and the decaying plants used all the available oxygen in the lake, killing fish. There have been additional reports of Salvinia molesta in waterways throughout Hawaii, all the result of aquarium dumping.

Today, Hawaii is a participant in a national campaign developed by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and its partnering organizations. Hawaii Habitattitude is sponsored by DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Sea Grant, and the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, to encourage pet owners to turn in unwanted aquarium fish and plants rather than release them into the ocean or streams.

Partners include the Hawaii Invasive Species Council, Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture, Waikiki Aquarium, Maui Ocean Center, Humane Societies on Oahu, Maui and Kauai, and Waimea Valley Audubon Center. The pet and aquarium trade, as well as the nursery and landscape industry, are significantly involved in the campaign.