Why are Carp a problem in our water ways? Read on to find out.
European carp is a pest that adversely affects the health of our rivers and wetlands. It was first introduced to Australian waterways more than 100 years ago and has since established in every state except the Northern Territory. Able to tolerate a wide range of conditions and habitats, including low-oxygen and brackish water, it is considered one of the country's major aquatic pests since it massively spread through the Murray-Darling Basin in the late 1980s. Previously held in check by the drought, recent years of flooding rains have brought our river systems back to life, and as a result the carp population has again expanded. This puts increasing pressure on our waterways and native wildlife.
The Carp problem contributes to environmental degradation in the Basin. Reported impacts from carp include reduction in water quality, river bank damage and may contribute to algae blooms. The increased spread of carp and its impact on freshwater habitat has come at the expense of native fish species and aquatic vegetation.
Authorities plan to release a virus that will take out all the carp problem in Australia. A coronavirus for Carp. Other strategies include: Installation of carp separation cages on fishways or wetland regulators. Wetland management including exclusion screens. Draining and drying of private waterbodies. Stocking of native fish.
When fishing for Carp or when encountered as a bycatch of your fishing trip they are considered as a Noxious Species and must not be returned to the water alive. Carp must be killed immediately.
Why not trying to make some Carp fish cakes next time you catch one. All types of Carp have white, firm, mild flesh, which is excellent table fare, but all Asian carp also have intramuscular bones in the filets that many people find undesirable.
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