Summary
In this article, scientists are astonished to find a 4.2 pound goldfish in Lake Tahoe in winter of 2013
during a routine survey for invasive species. The common pet goldfish is indeed an invasive species because
their being there could affect Lake Tahoe's entire ecosystem. The goldfish were released by owners into the
water and now, they have begun invading the lake. They consume native species and create waste that
cause algae blooms, which can turn the clear waters muddy. This could potentially be a huge problem
because native species would die and the food web of the Lake would start to fall apart. They could possibly
kill off some native species and kill many fishes main food source by making the water muddy.
Reflection
I find it extremely interesting that between a large percent of the fish keepers in western Texas have
admitted to dumping fish. I would've guessed that number would be around 510 percent. This could
potentially pose a bigger problem if a more aggressive fish is released. I believe that Lake Tahoe and all
large bodies of water should attempt to eradicate all invasive species currently living in them and to enforce
stricter laws when it comes to dumping fish. We need to educate the public of the dangers of dumping fish to reduce
the amount of invasive species which in the end, will cause our planet to no longer sustain us.
http://ogoapes.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/3/9/3239894/monster_goldfish_found_in_lake_tahoe_scientific_american.pdf
In this article, scientists are astonished to find a 4.2 pound goldfish in Lake Tahoe in winter of 2013
during a routine survey for invasive species. The common pet goldfish is indeed an invasive species because
their being there could affect Lake Tahoe's entire ecosystem. The goldfish were released by owners into the
water and now, they have begun invading the lake. They consume native species and create waste that
cause algae blooms, which can turn the clear waters muddy. This could potentially be a huge problem
because native species would die and the food web of the Lake would start to fall apart. They could possibly
kill off some native species and kill many fishes main food source by making the water muddy.
Reflection
I find it extremely interesting that between a large percent of the fish keepers in western Texas have
admitted to dumping fish. I would've guessed that number would be around 510 percent. This could
potentially pose a bigger problem if a more aggressive fish is released. I believe that Lake Tahoe and all
large bodies of water should attempt to eradicate all invasive species currently living in them and to enforce
stricter laws when it comes to dumping fish. We need to educate the public of the dangers of dumping fish to reduce
the amount of invasive species which in the end, will cause our planet to no longer sustain us.
http://ogoapes.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/3/9/3239894/monster_goldfish_found_in_lake_tahoe_scientific_american.pdf