Gone Fishing Day Carp Muster
The challenge/issue :
Carp are an introduced species into all waterways across the Murray Darling Basin, they're prolific breeders and quickly populate a waterway once established. Carp play a significant role in the decline of water quality across the Basin contributing to water quality issues such as erosion, loss of macroinvertebrates, loss of plant life and destruction of habitat. This ultimately puts pressure on our waterways making it difficult for our Native species to thrive.
Carp fishing events are a good way to selectively target Carp within our waterways, and they also allow organisations like Ozfish and Landcare to engage with their community to help raise awareness of the problems invasive species cause within our natural environment
The solution
Gone Fishing Day Grants are made available each year thought the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust. All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and put towards many different projects to improve recreational fishing. One of these projects is the NSW Gone Fishing Day Grant, which this year was the 13thof October 2024. Together with Ozfish and Northern Slopes Landcare Association, we were able to secure grant funding to run a Carp Muster in Moree.
Carp musters are a great way to bring communities together and a fun way to raise awareness of the issues carp cause to our waterways. While fishing (commercial or recreational) is not an effective means of carp control in itself, it can be a valuable component of an integrated carp management program.
The impact
Nearly 400kgs of carp were removed from the waterways during this Carp Muster. Families were able to enjoy a day out on the riverbanks, enjoying our beautiful environment with the additional bonus of learning more about river care and the environment. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying this day, as well as couples who generously donated their winnings back to the children.
Learnings:
Local businesses were incredibly supportive of the event, generously donating to the cause. However, attempts to secure support from Coles and Woolworths for catering supplies fell short, which was disappointing. The event served as a valuable proof of concept for future Carp Musters in Moree, offering insight into organising a larger-scale event next year
Carp Musters are a great way to engage communities.
Carp are an introduced species that harm water ecosystems.
The event was a successful proof of concept for Moree.
