Electrofishing targets feral fish

Feral fish are being removed at lakes in Studmaster Park in Wanneroo, Vintage Park in Gnangara and Da Vinci Park in Tapping as part of a City partnership with Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute.

A specialised electrofishing technique is being used, which temporarily stuns goldfish and carp. Captured feral fish will be tested for diseases and other species will be released unharmed.

Mayor Linda Aitken said feral fish can significantly impact water quality at the City’s lakes, spread disease and threaten local wildlife such as turtles, swans, birds and frogs.

“We are excited to take part in this project which supports the delivery of the City’s Local Biodiversity Plan and help our lakes get back to their natural state,” she said.

Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute Senior Researcher Tom Ryan said they were already seeing the benefits of the project, with 3.3 tonnes of invasive fish including 2000 carp and goldfish removed across Perth.

“We also need to educate the community about managing their own fish at home. If you can’t deal with those fish anymore, please never dump your pet fish in the in the local waterways, drains or ocean,” he said.

“Instead, please contact your local aquarium retailer or vet, or humanely and safely dispose.”

Visit www.dpird.wa.gov.au and search for ‘Don’t Dump that Fish’ for more information.

The Carp and Goldfish Roundup Project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program and Murdoch University, with support from Ozfish Unlimited, Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions), City of Wanneroo, City of Joondalup, City of Stirling, City of Melville, City of Gosnells, City of Rockingham and the City of Busselton.