DPI seminar lets you know what is being done about carp

A detailed overview of common carp in Australia, including methods for their control, is being presented by Department of Primary Industries (DPI) research staff on Friday 4 March.

The seminar is being held at DPI’s Narrandera Fisheries Centre, John Lake Centre, Buckingbong Road from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Seminar guest speakers, Robert Rolls and Leanne Faulks from DPI’s carp research team based at Narrandera, will also cover the biology of carp and their interaction with the environment.

“During the past year, Robert and I have been part of a major project on carp in NSW, which is anticipated to continue for another six or seven years,” Ms Faulks said.

“This work is a component of the ‘Daughterless Carp Project’ underway in the Murray Darling Basin.

“Our part of the project aims to assess the status and general population biology of carp throughout the State.”

This important information will help the Daughterless Carp Project choose the best locations for the release of the daughterless gene, to increase its likelihood of spreading quickly, and to improve the ability of researchers to monitor the success of the gene.

As the number of female carp decline, the populations should be reduced and eventually collapse.

Ms Faulks said the main point of the talk was that an integrated management approach was needed to reduce the carp numbers, as there was no easy single solution.

“We welcome comment on the program from attendees on the night,” she said.

DPI has implemented a number of initiatives under the Carr Government to control carp, including the $1 million Carp Assessment and Reduction Program, which focussed on developing a commercial fishery for carp.

DPI researcher Lee Baumgartner said he expected there would be a great deal of interest in the carp seminar, so anyone interested should book early, as due to limited seating arrangements, the maximum number of attendees is 55.

DPI staff or guest speakers are presenting the series of seminars being held at two-monthly intervals.

The John Lake Centre includes an aquarium and poster display, which will be open for inspection from 6:30 pm and also after the seminar for anyone wishing to undertake a casual tour of the facilities.

Light refreshments and a bbq meal will be available after the seminar at a cost of $3 a head.

DPI staff will be available if anyone wishes to discuss any topics in greater detail.

The RSVP date for bookings is Friday 18 February and bookings can be made by calling the Narrandera Fisheries Centre on (02) 6959 9021 between 9 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

If attendees intend to stay for the BBQ please inform staff at the time of booking. If you have booked and later cannot make the evening please telephone the centre and cancel your booking for catering purposes.

MEDIA CONTACTS: LEE BAUMGARTNER ON (02) 6959 9021 OR

SARAH CHESTER ON (02) 6036 2110.