Aquarium owners who are moving and can't take their aquarium's contents with them should avoid dumping the contents in local waters.

Most of the fish won't survive the winter, and the plants can thrive and cause serious environmental damage.

Dumping aquarium fish into public waters without a stocking permit is a Class C misdemeanor that can carry a fine of up to $500 and 30 days in jail, plus court costs.

If an aquarium owner cannot find someone who will take the fish, the DNR recommends sealing the fish in a plastic bag, putting them in a freezer, and then disposing of them in the trash. They should never be flushed down a toilet or dumped into local lakes, ponds, streams or rivers.

Alternatives for those who don't want their fish to die as a result of their move include: - Giving the fish to another aquarium owner - Donating the fish to a local aquarium society - Contacting aquarium stores for possible return

The plastic-bag technique also is the best option for getting rid of unwanted aquarium plants. Unlike the fish, many aquarium plants thrive in local waters, crowding out native plants and adversely affecting fishing, boating and the water's appearance; and can cost thousands to eradicate.