Journalist: Kameron Sanders (TCC)
Everyone can agree that goldfish are one of the cutest and easiest domestic aquatic pets to
take care of. However, the senate was informed that goldfish are one of the most invasive fish in
the world. During senatorial bill OSU – 003, presented by Trevor Friesen, we were informed that
goldfish are an invasive species. Friesen urged the senate to search the internet for pictures of
invasive goldfish and did not disappoint us. Senator Friesen’s bill prevents the dumping of
goldfish in public waters for the sake of the against the over-dominance of invasive and often
overlooked species.
After searching the internet for pictures of invasive goldfish, I found that the once tiny
fish can grow up to one foot in larger waters. Senator Friesen recounted that the OKC
preservation found 40 goldfish in the Bricktown Canal during a search for missing Lime
scooters. By dumping the fish into the canal, the population of invasive goldfish will create a
sharp population and will potentially cause problems for the area. Due to this, the removal of the
goldfish was necessary before any problems could arise. Though this bill, if anyone is caught
dumping goldfish into public waters, a citation and fine of $100 – $5,000 will be issued. With
this, all funds received though these fines are given to the State Wildlife Conservation Fund.
During caucusing, every senator agreed that the pictures of the enlarged fish are shocking
and unbelievable. The information became more shocking when we learned that female invasive
goldfish lay up to 40,000 eggs in a year. Due to these factors, the caucuses agreed that the bill
should move forward though acclimation. There were no objection and the bill passed though
acclimation.
In the end, senate bill OSU – 003 passed by acclimation. People shall no longer be
allowed to dump or transfer goldfish into public watered.