European carp haul taken from McLaren Flat wetlands

ALMOST 1500 European carp have been removed from wetlands in Adelaide’s south where they were illegally introduced.

A European carp.

• McLaren Flat locals encouraged to drop a line to catch carp

ALMOST 1500 European carp have been removed from a wetland in McLaren Flat.

Onkaparinga Council last week netted and removed the fish from a pond between Swift Grove and Blewitt Springs Rd.

Jack Hinkley catching carp at McLaren Flat

It is believed the carp — which destroy river ecosystems, disturb the riverbed and compete with natural species for food — were illegally introduced into the waterway.

The Southern Times Messenger reported last month locals were encouraging people to sink a line in the wetland to catch carp as part of a grassroot plan to reduce population numbers.

Onkaparinga’s city operations director Kirk Richardson hoped frogs, tadpoles and other vegetation would re-establish in the water.

“We’ll continue to monitor the ponds for signs of carp and we’re seeking further advice from Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) to determine if we need to take any further action,” Mr Richardson said.

“That further action may include draining the pond we netted, to eliminate any smaller carp or fish eggs.”

Mr Richardson said the fish were disposed of via “deep burial at landfill”, in compliance with PIRSA guidelines.

“We’re also awaiting advice from PIRSA on whether we need to net the other larger pond at this site,” he said.

There were also 12 yabbies and 49 tortoises captured in the net, but Mr Richardson said these were all returned to the pond unharmed.