A monster carp weighing 11.9kg and measuring 823mm in length has been caught by researchers in a lake in Perth's northern suburbs, in what is believed to be the largest capture ever recorded in Perth's waterways.
Whopper Carp Caught at Careniup Reserve
The female carp was caught in wetlands at Careniup Reserve in Gwelup last month by Murdoch University research assistant Cindy Palermo from the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems. Contributing to its incredible weight, the invasive pest was carrying up to three million eggs ready to spawn.
Ms Palermo said the fish was so large it took multiple people to lift it into the boat. "When the fish was stunned by the electrofishing boat, I couldn't believe the size of its head sticking out of the water," she said. "It was so heavy that it took two of us to bring it onboard the boat. Thankfully, Tom Ryan and Dr Jake Daviot (fellow Murdoch University researchers) were there to lend a hand."
Impact of Invasive Carp
Introduced to Australia in the 1800s, carp are a feral fish species that have had a significant impact on Perth's freshwater systems. They compete with native species for resources, reduce water quality, and spread disease, which has a detrimental impact on native aquatic life. In Western Australia, there is no bag limit on carp, and it is illegal to return them to the water if caught. However, fishing is prohibited in many local lakes and wetlands.
Electrofishing Program Yields Results
Researchers from Murdoch University's Harry Butler Institute have been using electrofishing to target and remove invasive fish as part of a Federal government-funded project, the WA Urban Carp and Goldfish Roundup. Electrofishing stuns fish by delivering a controlled electric current through the water, allowing them to be humanely captured without the use of hooks or fishing lines, which can negatively impact native fauna in local lakes.
The program has yielded significant results in the Joondalup area, with 242 carp, with a combined mass of 767kg, removed from around Lake Joondalup over six months. The highest number of feral fish caught was recorded in the City of Stirling, with 841 carp and 319 goldfish removed during the program up to the end of April, weighing a combined 1368kg. In the City of Gosnells, 152 carp have been removed, with a combined weight of 392kg.
Future Plans and Public Reporting
Ms Palermo said the program was focused on improving the health of urban wetlands. "We have an ambitious program operating over the next three years over 21 different waterbodies where we plan to demonstrate the benefits of ongoing pest fish control programs on the health of urban wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain," she said. The public is asked to report any exotic fish species sightings, particularly in areas not previously identified, to Fisheries WA via 1800 815 507 or by email at biosecurity@fish.wa.gov.au.
