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Carp

The carp is an introduced fish species present in every state and territory except for the Northern Territory. There are many carp in most of ACT's lakes and rivers.

Carp are seen as one of the worst freshwater pests in south-eastern Australia, especially in the Murray-Darling Basin.

They have huge impacts on the environment, including:

  • displacing native fish, causing some to be listed as rare or threatened
  • smothering aquatic vegetation by stirring up water
  • contributing to harmful blue-green algal blooms.

The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) focuses on managing carp populations. This $15 million program aims to find safe and effective ways to control carp in Australia. One method being considered is releasing the carp virus, Cyprinid herpesvirus 3. This may help reduce carp numbers.

The ACT Government is part of national advisory and working groups to help plan for possible carp control measures.