People are being encouraged to help get rid of pest fish from Shepparton's Victoria Park Lake at a free Carp Muster organized for World Wetlands Day on Saturday, February 2.
People are being encouraged to help get rid of pest fish from Shepparton's Victoria Park Lake at a free Carp Muster organized for World Wetlands Day on Saturday, February 2.
Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) River Health Implementation Manager Mark Turner said the Authority, in partnership with other local agencies and businesses, had organised the Carp Muster to highlight the negative impact of carp on native fish and waterway health.
"The theme of this year's World Wetlands Day is 'Take care of Water' and one of the ways everyone can help improve the health of our waterways is to get rid of carp," Mr Turner said.
"Carp were introduced to Australia over 100 years ago and are now unfortunately widely distributed throughout the Murray Darling Basin.
"They are an invasive pest species that have a big impact; they muddy our waterways and compete with our native fish."
Mr Turner said during the past two years a lot of work had gone into improving habitat and water health at Victoria Park Lake.
"Unfortunately, the recent floods have seen a big increase in carp numbers and the lake is just one of the waterways in our catchment that have been re-infested by this pest species," he said.
"The Carp Muster is a family-friendly event organised to raise awareness of the effect of carp on native species.
"We're encouraging everyone to bring along their fishing rod, a chair and family friends and enjoy an evening's fishing."
The Carp Muster is a free event and registration will kick off from 4.30pm, with fishing beginning at 5pm. Participants must register to claim prizes. There will be a free barbecue, mystery prizes galore, activities and plenty of information about fish and waterway health.
The event is proudly supported by Goulburn Broken CMA, Greater Shepparton City Council, Goulburn Valley Water, Trelly's Fishing and Hunting World and the Department of Primary Industries.
Hanna, 4, and Marlie, 3, Turner hope to catch a carp at the Carp Muster at Victoria Park Lake on Saturday February 2
“Murray Cod” supports the Carp Muster’s aim to help raise awareness of the negative impact of carp on native fish species.