Fun, fishing, food and fabulous prizes are expected to lure hundreds of Narrabri locals - young and old - to the riverbank below the Narrabri Crossing Theatre on March 1 and 2 for the giant Namoi Carp Muster.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA) have organised the two-day event to raise awareness of the plight of native fish.

A specially designed fishing kayak valued at over $1500, BBQ, swag, fishing tackle, camping gear and much more are up for grabs - with the thrill of hauling in the ‘big one’ an added bonus.

The carp muster is part of the Namoi Aquatic Habitat Initiative, a joint initiative of NSW DPI and Namoi CMA, with support for the day coming from the Narrabri Amateur Fishing Club.

Namoi CMA riparian officer Ryan Breen said the carp muster was an excellent way of involving the community in a project designed to improve the health of the Namoi River.

“There are many factors that are contributing to the poor health of our waterways and it would be unfair to blame all river degradation issues on carp,” Mr Breen said.

“It’s more likely to be the combined effects of catchment-wide influences such as uncontrolled stock access, lack of riparian vegetation and de-snagging.”

However, carp thrive in poor river conditions and their numbers are increasing, especially in the Namoi, according to Tamworth-based conservation manager with NSW DPI, Milly Hobson,

“That’s a concern because carp have the potential to interrupt the lifecycle and habitat of native fish by competing directly for food and shelter,” Ms Hobson said. 

“They increase the turbidity of water when they feed in the sediment and also dislodge aquatic plants from river banks, thereby removing important native fish habitat.”

She said the introduced carp are to rivers what rabbits are to farms and just as difficult to eradicate.

“Carp can live for up to 30 years and their survival is strengthened by their large size, the fact that they swim long distances, and breed prolifically.

“The Namoi Carp Muster is a way for people to learn a little more about carp and their impacts and have a good time in the process – even those who have never held a fishing line.”

People will also find out how they can help return native fish to the Namoi at the official launch of the Namoi Aquatic Habitat Initiative by attending the giant Namoi Carp Muster.   

Tree planting will be held along Narrabri Creek about 1km on the Wee Waa Road/Kamilaroi Highway followed by a sausage sizzle back at the Crossing Theatre registration site.  An entry of fee of $5 applies for children, $10 for adults and $30 for a family (maximum of 5).

Further information about the Namoi Carp Muster or the Namoi Aquatic Habitat Initiative can be obtained from Milly Hobson or Anthony Townsend at NSW DPI in Tamworth on 6765 4243, Ryan Breen (Namoi CMA) on 6742 9210, or by visiting www.namoi.cma.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: Annette Cross 02 6763 1243, 0427 201 840