HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Waikiki Aquarium is taking action to keep invasive marine animals out of Hawaii waters.
In partnership with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources, the aquarium is celebrating two years of its “Don’t Let It Loose” campaign on Thursday.
Launched in October 2024, the campaign is a collaborative effort between the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch, the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Aquatic Resources, the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species and the aquarium.
The initiative raises awareness about the ecological threats caused by non-native species, encouraging responsible ownership and surrender practices.
While keeping coral species in home aquariums is illegal in Hawaii, unwanted aquatic pets can be dropped off at the aquarium – located on Kalakaua Avenue across from Kapiolani Park – as part of the state’s amnesty program.
“Protecting Hawaii’s marine ecosystems starts with the choices we make, including what we do with aquarium animals we can no longer care for,” said Dr. Alistair Dove, director of the Waikiki Aquarium. “Through the ‘Don’t Let It Loose’ campaign, we want residents to know there is a responsible alternative to releasing these animals into the wild.”
Surrendered items have included prohibited fish and an invasive soft coral similar to a species spreading in Pearl Harbor.
Under the program, anyone voluntarily surrendering illegal animals can do so without penalty, before an investigation begins.
Several other https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ais/dont-let-it-loose-hawaii/amnesty-program/amnesty-locations/
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