Yaphank, N.Y. -- This spring, the Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) is partnering with pet stores, Habitattitude™, and the Long Island Sound Study to help prevent the introduction and spread of exotic plants and animals on Long Island. The message to pet owners is simple – don’t dump unwanted pets and aquatic plants. The signage was developed by the PEP and distributed for posting in pet shops throughout Suffolk County. Information is provided on ways to ensure the well-being of your pets and plants while still protecting the environment.
Invasive species are an emerging concern in the Peconic Estuary and throughout Long Island. Once established, they wreak havoc on the native ecosystems that make Long Island, and the Peconics in particular, so special. Invasive species often outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity, in addition to impeding human uses, such as navigation and recreation when invasives clog waterways. Many times invasive species are introduced by pet owners who release their pets into the wild or dump the contents of their aquariums into ponds and streams.
“The PEP is dedicated to preventing the spread of invasive species in the Peconic Estuary. Educating the public is a strong preventive measure, and signage in pet stores is an effective way to inform pet owners of the environmental consequences of their potential actions,” stated Vito Minei, Peconic Estuary Program Director.
Habitattitude™ is different from other invasive species initiatives in that it has the support of both the pet and aquarium trade and the nursery and landscape industry. One of
Long Island
’s largest pet retailers, Petland Discounts, has agreed to post the placard in all twenty-one of its local stores. “Petland Discounts is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and doing its part to protect
Long Island
's environment,” said Amy Kimmel, Director of Public Relations for Petland Discounts.
Pet owners should not dump their plants or pets because it can harm the pets or plants themselves, cause serious harm to native flora and fauna, and is illegal in most cases. Suffolk County passed a law on December 19, 2005 that makes it illegal to introduce, throw, dump, deposit, or place invasive plants and animals “in any river, stream, lake, pond, wetland, or storm water drain.” Violating the law is punishable by a fine up to $1,000. There are many alternatives to disposing of plants and animals in this way: they can be returned to a local pet shop; donated to a school, museum, public aquarium, or other institution; plants can be sealed in plastic bags and disposed of as trash; and local veterinarians can provide guidelines on humane methods of disposal.
The Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) joined the National Estuary Program as an "Estuary of National Significance" under the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1993. The PEP is an innovative partnership among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Suffolk County, citizen and environmental groups, businesses and industries, and academic institutions. Its mission is to protect and restore the Peconic Estuary.
Habitattitude™ is a national initiative developed by the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program spearheaded the partnership, which now includes the PEP. The campaign focuses primarily on education, a crucial step in preventing the expansion of invasive species.
For more information, contact the Peconic Estuary Program at 631-852-5750 or www.peconicestuary.org.
