Capturing 'rabbits of the river'
From the Spring 2006 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
Carp harvested from Moira Lake, near Barmah, in New South Wales. Active management of water flows through river regulators is vital for wetland health. Photos by Andrew McCurdy
In what is becoming a regular event, Moira Lake, north of Barmah, was recently lowered to capture carp and build on significant environmental benefits achieved by ‘environmental flows’ into this highly significant wetlands area.
Forests NSW operations manager at Deniliquin, Andrew McCurdy, said lowering the lake involved slowly and progressively opening the Moira Creek water regulator – a gate along the river – to reconnect the lake to the Murray River.
“The first stage of the lowering process drew the carp towards the regulator where they were harvested by commercial fisherman Keith Bell of K & C Fisheries.
“This prevented the carp from re-entering the Murray River system,” Andrew said.
Native to Asia, carp are often labelled ‘rabbits of the river’ due to their role in the degradation of natural aquatic systems. The harvested carp are mostly exported to Asia for human consumption.
The regulator gates were then progressively opened to allow the native fish to freely move between the river and the lake.
Moira Lake is one of a number of wetlands that receive water from the Murray River through river regulators operated by Forests NSW and water management agencies under the management plan for the Barmah-Millewa Icon Site prepared as part of the ‘Living Murray’ program.
“Active management of water flows and river regulators play a critical role in reintroducing the wetting and drying phases that are crucial to the health of these magnificent wetlands,” Andrew said
Public Affairs & Media, Albury
