Trailer full of fish exposes disturbing reality in Aussie waterways

Shepparton: So, there’s this trailer packed with fish that’s got everyone talking. It’s not just a big catch; it’s a wake-up call about what’s happening in Aussie waterways.

Invasive fish like carp and goldfish are taking over rivers, and local councils are scrambling to tackle the issue. Recently, the Greater Shepparton City Council pulled out hundreds of these pests from local lakes and wetlands. They used electrofishing over five days to get the job done.

A spokesperson from the Victorian Government mentioned they’re teaming up with the Federal Government and fisheries experts to come up with a solid plan to cut down carp numbers. They even encourage fishers to catch carp to help out.

During this recent effort, they removed 427 carp and 556 goldfish. That’s a lot of fish! One lake alone had 750kg of carp taken out. It’s a big deal because these fish are messing up the ecosystem.

Carp are known for pushing out native fish and causing some species to become rare or threatened. They also stir up the water, which can lead to harmful algae blooms. In Victoria, carp are considered a noxious species, meaning it’s illegal to have them around or use them as bait.

Interestingly, while you can eat carp in some states, it’s a no-go in Queensland. The ongoing battle against carp is serious, and the recent efforts in Shepparton show just how much work is needed.

There’s even a plan in the works to release a herpes virus into the rivers to help control the carp population. It could potentially cut their numbers by up to 60%. But, it’s still waiting for approval, so no timeline yet.

Some folks are worried about this plan, especially local business owners. They fear that killing off millions of fish could create a nasty situation in the waterways, which might hurt tourism. It’s a tricky balance between protecting the environment and supporting local businesses.