Carp clog waterways while action lags

VRFISH have put out a press release on the issue of carp in Victoria. It is an issue that has long caused problems in Victorian waters.

Recently, the federal member for Gippsland and deputy leader of the National Party, Darren Chester, spoke in the Australian parliament about the need to act on controlling the invasive pest species stating,

“It is time for less talk and more action to control this insidious invasive species,” he said.

And he’s right.

Mr Chester continued: “There’ve been thousands of pages of scientific research and investigation into how we manage carp and detailed reports on different approaches that are available to us, but the time for talk is over.”

While we’ve waited years for the research of the National Carp Control Plan – although the plan was released in 2022, it recommended additional research – there has been no action on carp control in the meantime.

There are strong opinions from recreational fishers on both sides of the carp virus debate and, despite the difference in their views, there is one clear point that both sides do agree on: it’s time for action on carp control.

The additional research that has been commissioned under the National Carp Control Plan will not be completed until 2028 and there is no clear timeline on if or when a decision will be made regarding the use of the virus.

While the research is continuing, it does not mean that we cannot take other actions to control carp in our waterways.

What is being done

VRFish, as the independent peak body for recreational fishing in Victoria, will continue to advocate for carp control measures that will give our struggling waterways a chance to recover from the damage caused by this highly invasive species and provide a boost our native freshwater fish population.

Through its election priorities, in the lead up to the Victorian state election, VRfish is advocating for all sides of the Victorian government to support carp control measures and take action to safeguard the quality of our fisheries from this invasive, pest species.

VRFish is of the belief that any plans to control carp populations should include complementary measures such as a native fish recovery and stocking plan and restoring habitat. This allows recreational fishers to play a vital role in supporting on-ground actions, clean-up operations and response.

In late April, VRFish will be attending the invitation-only Murray Darling Carp Action Summit, which will include representatives from the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Australian River Restoration Centre and 20 other government and non-government organisations.

Held at Lake Nagambie, the summit will bring together researchers, resource managers, fishers, irrigators, conservation groups and state and federal management agencies to address the lack of action on carp over the last 20 years.

If you see or suspect any illegal fishing in Victoria, call the 24/7 reporting service, 13FISH (133474), to speak directly to a fisheries officer. You can remain anonymous

FISHING REPORTS

Fishing reports remain poor due to weather conditions.

Anglesea

Fishing not great at the moment

* A few pinkies have been caught

* As well as a few whiting, but it is hard work

Reports compliments of the Rusty Anglers Angling Club Anglesea

Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove

* The estuary is producing some silver trevally up to 45cm

Torquay

* A few flathead have been caught

* Also a few pinkies

* Reports also of a few gummies

Reports compliments of the Torquay Angling Club

St Leonards

* Still reports of some squid being caught

Indented heads

* Reports of some squid

Queenscliff

* Reports of a few whiting

* Some flathead and leather jackets

* Because of weed, it is not possible to catch squid

Portarlington

* Reports of some pinkies

Clifton Springs

* Reports of whiting in numbers

* As well as squid in good numbers

Reports compliments of Chis’ Bait and Tackle Drysdale

Club Corner

The Bellarine Pirates and St Leonards Angling Club will be holding a lure fishing night with Ben Scullin on Wednesday 6 May from 7pm. All are welcome.