Waikiki Aquarium launches campaign to intercept invasive aquatic pets

The Waikiki Aquarium opened a new drop-off center on Thursday for residents seeking to dispose of non-native marine animals. The facility, located on Kalakaua Avenue across from Kapiolani Park, serves as a primary collection point for the state's second "Don't Let It Loose" campaign.

The aquarium partnered with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources to start the effort. The goal is to prevent unwanted aquatic pets from entering local waters and disrupting native ecosystems.

Dr. Alistair Dove, director of the Waikiki Aquarium, stated that protecting Hawaii's marine environment begins with responsible disposal. "Protecting Hawaiʻi’s marine ecosystems starts with the choices we make, including what we do with aquarium animals we can no longer care for," Dove said. "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."

Under the amnesty program, individuals can surrender prohibited fish and other aquatic pets without facing penalties, provided they do so before an official investigation begins. Keeping coral species in home aquariums is illegal in Hawaii.

Items turned in to date include prohibited fish and an invasive soft coral similar to a species currently spreading in Pearl Harbor. The aquarium is one of several amnesty locations available statewide for voluntary surrenders.