Identifying and implementing targeted carp control options for the Lower Lachlan Catchment

Abstract

Carp, Cyprinus carpio, are a large freshwater fish native to Asia and considered a significant pest in Australia. The introduction of carp into Australian inland waters has raised serious concerns about the impacts the species is having on these aquatic systems and a strong interest in devising ways to manage carp populations. This paper reports on the analysis of responses from a survey conducted in the Lachlan River Catchment, NSW, which aimed to benchmark the community’s perceived assessment of the health of the river, impacts of carp on that health and options for future management of carp in the river system. The research indicated that there is a general belief that the condition of the Lachlan is degraded and that the carp population is a contributing factor. There is also a perception that insufficient resources are being allocated to carp management. The survey results indicate the community will support carp management programs but that they will have certain expectations in terms of carp control and improving river features. The baseline data provides an insight into local opinions and expectations and can be a starting point for engaging the community to help manage carp in the Lachlan River Catchment. 94 Industry & Investment NSW Gilligan et al. Lachlan Carp Cleanup APPENDIX 2: Use otolith micro-chemical analysis as a means of determining the relative contribution of hotspots within the system to the overall carp population within the lower Lachlan Macdonald, J., Crook, D. and McNeil, D.G. (2010), Identification of carp recruitment hotspots in the Lachlan River using otolith chemistry. Report to the Invasive Animals CRC and Lachlan CMA. SARDI Report Series, South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide.