EUROPEAN carp are set to be targeted in a new campaign to rid rivers of the pest fish species.
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The federal government has committed $15 million to fighting carp.
It is part of a nationally co-ordinated approach to remove the fish from waterways and help native fish numbers grow.
The plan includes the staged release of the carp control virus, which will begin in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority has been a leader in the fight against carp.
It was awarded the River Basin Management Society’s Award for Innovation in Waterway Management in October last year.
Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne said the plan was put together with state and territory governments.
“The common carp is a nasty pest in our waterways,” he said.
“Anyone who loves the Murray knows what damage the carp have caused to the river environment over many years.
“The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre and the CSIRO have made significant progress evaluating a viral biological control agent, we know that it works, we know it’s completely safe, now we need to plan the best way to roll it out.
“It’s important to remember that while the virus will have a significant immediate and dramatic impact on populations, there will need to be an ongoing process to achieve complete success.”
Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation managing director Allan Hansard said the announcement was the essential first step in addressing the problem of Australia’s worst aquatic pest.
“European carp have invaded and dominated our inland river systems for over 30 years and each year their stronghold on our waterways is increasing,” he said.
“It is to the detriment of our native fish species and the health of our inland waterways.
“The government’s considered, calculated and carefully measured approach to tackling this problem reflects their commitment to getting the process right.”