Goldfish out of Control in the Great Lakes

Have you ever observed the humble golden creature swimming circles in the fishbowl, and wondered if it dreamed of a bigger pond? Turns out that a little fish in a big pond can cause big issues. Goldfish released into the Great Lakes have been discovered to grow over a foot long and can weigh up to nine pounds. According to the Michigan State University these feral goldfish are hardy and disruptive. They can survive without oxygen for three whole months, and will eat anything. Their feeding habits tear up vegetation and outcompete native fish species. How can this threat be eradicated?

According to the Michigan Environment Watch, selective fishing is a tried and true method of getting rid of unwanted fish species that could be used against the mega goldfish. Michigan State suggests not releasing goldfish into the wild in the first place. After all, they only survive three months without oxygen; you can wait that long to flush it down the toilet with a clear conscience. I suggest a slightly different approach, leave the liberated goldfish alone. 

More than twenty-two million pounds of plastic pollution end up in the Great Lakes every year, according to the Rochester Institute of Technology. This plastic pollution, as well as other human-created toxins, are harmful and often deadly to the native fish populations. And according to the Michigan Sea Grant these fish are often too contaminated to eat. So, in a time when the native fish are already threatened, shouldn't we view it as a positive thing that at least one species of fish in the Great Lakes is able to survive even the harshest conditions? Additionally, the story of a doomed goldfish rising to become the large and in charge menace of the entire Great Lakes region is an inspiring success story that many Americans can gladly relate to. And finally, goldfish are good luck. Everyone needs good luck.