Pest species on the menu for Australian Bass

Around 2000 Australian Bass will be released into Green Point Creek in the Gosford area in the hope that they will eradicate a large group of Asian White Cloud Mountain Minnows.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Aquatic Pests Senior Manager, Mike Holloway, said the minnows are an introduced pest species from Asia.

‘The white cloud minnow is an exotic fish that probably got into the Central Coast after someone dumped them from their aquarium or fish pond.

‘This is one of several species that could contribute to declining populations of native fish and frogs in the area,’ Mr Holloway said.

Named after White Cloud Mountain in China where it was first discovered, the minnow grows to about 4cm and the females can produce up to 300 eggs at a time that hatch within two days.

‘The Bass fingerlings, which have been bred at the DPI Port Stephens Fish Hatchery, are around 40mm in length and should readily prey on the juvenile minnows.

‘We will survey the area in the coming months to determine if the Bass have done their job.

‘Keeping fish is fun but what this highlights is the threat that they pose to native fish and fragile ecosystems if they are released into our oceans and waterways.

‘The fish, plants, snails and other aquarium inhabitants should be disposed of thoughtfully and under no circumstance should they be dumped into our waterways,’ Mr Holloway said.

If you notice new species in local waterways report them to DPI by calling the 24 hour hotline 02 4916 3877.

Note: The Bass will be released into Green point Creek on Tuesday 8 November. To arrange photos please call.

Media contact: Kelly Stevens on 02 8289 3949 or 0438 247 571.