Thousands of fish taken out of Magrath pond

Alexandra Noad

Lethbridge Herald

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Magrath is schooling its residents on the dangers of releasing fish into waterways after a major infestation of goldfish in the storm pond located at the entrance of the town.

The Town was alerted by residents who saw goldfish in the pond, which was later confirmed by workers. But the town underestimated just how many there were. So far, more than 570 kg worth of fish have been removed.

James Suffredine, chief administrative officer for the Town of Magrath, says the majority of fish have been exterminated in the pond, thanks to an aquatic pesticide called Rotenone.

“So far, we have counted 64,000 (fish). There’s still some that will be around, they’ll float to the surface as the poison takes effect, so