Fishing enthusiasts will get an opportunity to learn about environmental problems caused by carp and remove more of the pest fish from the Darling River when the Outback Carp Muster returns to Brewarrina and Bourke in May.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Conservation Manager, David Cordina, said the second Outback Carp Muster would be held in Brewarrina on May 3 and Bourke on the weekend of May 10 and 11.

“More than 240 people attended first muster in November last year and we’re aiming for even more people in May,” he said.

“There will be thousands of dollars worth of prizes for category winners, including  biggest carp caught, the most number of carp caught and lucky door prizes in both senior and junior prize categories.

“Carp are a major pest in the Barwon and Darling Rivers and are now widespread in the area, making up more than 90 percent of all fish in Murray-Darling Basin rivers.

“They are a major threat to the future of the Basin’s native fish stocks including Murray cod, golden perch, freshwater catfish and threatened species such as silver perch and the western populations of the olive perchlet and purple-spotted gudgeon.

“Carp musters provide an opportunity to raise community awareness about the need to manage carp populations.

“They are also a great opportunity to showcase other on-ground works being done as part of the Brewarrina to Bourke demonstration reach project funded by the Western Catchment Management Authority.

“What better way to inform the recreational fishing community of the impact this species has on the local aquatic environment and native fish populations, than with a fun competition with great prizes.

“The Outback Carp Muster is open to all people - expert anglers and beginners alike. The only condition is that the fishing methods used must be legal.”

Brewarrina registrations will be at Brewarrina Bakery, Dowles Service Station and Brewarrina Newsagency. Bourke registrations will be at Franks BP, the Tourist Information Centre and The Northy.

For more information about the Brewarrina leg of the competition call Max Jeffery on 0427 392 210. Contact Darren Hayman on 0429 868 454 for further information on the Bourke leg.

Media contact: Tom Braz 0428 256 596