Help protect the platypus at Peppertree Park

A FISHING event at Peppertree Park on Saturday 11 January will give participants the opportunity to help protect the local platypus by removing invasive carp from the Werribee River.

Carp degrade waterways by increasing turbidity and competing with native species, and sustainable fishing is considered to be one part of the solution.

Madeline Taylor from Waterwatch, Melbourne Water’s citizen science program for monitoring waterway health, said every carp caught helps restore the delicate balance of our aquatic ecosystems and improve habitats that platypuses depend on.

“The event will teach people how to fish responsibly, using the carp as the target species, delivering a double benefit for the platypus and other aquatic animals,” she said.

She said discarded fishing gear and illegal yabby traps can also be deadly, entangling and drowning platypus and other threatened species.

“As a community, we can eliminate these unnecessary animal deaths through responsible fishing practices,” she said.

“Together, we can shape a healthier future for our waterways.”

The session will include a sustainable fishing workshop, where you can learn how to fish or sharpen your skills from demonstrations by Fish Care Victoria.

There will also be a macroinvertebrate discovery activity – the primary food source for platypuses and a key indicator of waterway health.

Fishing gear is provided and attendees are advised to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Catch a Carp for the Platypus takes place on Saturday 11 January from 10am to midday at Peppertree Park in Bacchus Marsh near the Aquatic Centre.

Registration is essential via Humanitix, head to events.humanitix.com/catch-a-carp?hxchl=hex-pfl.