‘Help us eradicate these pests’

AN INFESTATION of carp in a McLaren Flat pond has locals encouraging everyone to go fishing while the local council works on a plan to eradicate the pest.

Locals are calling for action to eradicate carp from the McLaren Flat pond.

AN INFESTATION of carp in a McLaren Flat pond has prompted Onkaparinga Council to develop a plan to eradicate the exotic pest — and until then, local are encouraging everyone to get on down and go fishing.

Following complaints about the health of the pond last month, the council will investigate ways to permanently remove the fish from the wetland, near Swift Grove.

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.

Onkaparinga Council’s city operations director Kirk Richardson said the council was co-operating with concerned residents.

“It is possible for carp eggs to be carried from wetland to wetland on waterbirds’ bills and feet — however, it is highly likely the carp were illegally released as this is unfortunately a common occurrence throughout South Australia,” Mr Richardson said.

“At this stage it seems that the best method would be to drag a net through the pond to remove all large carp and then pump it dry to remove any remaining smaller carp.

“All native fauna, including fish and turtles, will be released into a nearby pond so that they are not affected by the netting.”

Residents voiced their concern about the health of the pond on the McLaren Vale community Facebook page last week.

Locals encouraged young fishers to sink a line and catch carp as part of a grassroots plan to reduce population numbers.

After reading the Facebook post, McLaren Vale’s Justin Allison took his daughters Eve 8, and Elise, 5, fishing at the wetland as a school holiday activity.

Eve 8, and Elise, 5, fishing for Carp at McLaren Flat.

“We caught about five fish, the youngest caught three and it was her first time fishing, so she was chuffed,” Mr Allison said.

“The residents were really nice and asked how we were going and, every time my youngest caught a fish, they were (cheering) for her.”

Stefanie Hinkley also took her sons Jack, 9, and Joey, 6, fishing after learning about the “menacing” carp.

“The kids have plans to go back and fish for more,” Ms Hinkley said.

Jack Hinkley catching carp at McLaren Flat.

A Primary Industry and Regions SA spokeswoman said caught carp must not be returned to the water.