National Carp Control Plan
The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) has been publicly released, along with 9 supporting technical papers.
No decision has been made to release the carp virus. Any potential release will first need:
- Further research.
- Specific regulatory approvals.
- Significant planning for implementation.
- Extensive community consultation.
Background
The NCCP was funded by the Australian Government and led by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). It assesses the use of Cyprinid herpes virus 3 (the carp virus) as a biological control agent.
Carp are a significant pest impacting freshwater ecosystems in Australia. As an established species, the complete eradication of carp is unlikely. The purpose of the NCCP is to explore how effective the carp virus could be in controlling their populations.
The SA Government, along with all other Australian jurisdictions and several national committees, will carefully consider and review the plan and technical papers before deciding whether to progress with the biological control program.
The papers accompanying the NCCP cover a range of topics, including understanding:
- whether the carp virus could impact on other species
- how effective the virus could be
- social implications and views on releasing the virus.
Carp impacts
Native to Europe and Asia, carp were introduced to Australia numerous times over the last 180 years. They are present in every state and territory, except for the Northern Territory.
Carp is considered the worst freshwater aquatic pest in south-eastern Australia, particularly within the Murray Darling Basin. Research indicates carp make up 80% of fish biomass in many waterways, often displacing native species.
The carp virus is already present in over 30 countries and has the potential to reduce carp numbers in Australia by over 70%. This would have dramatic benefits for:
- water quality
- aquatic vegetation
- native fish
- fishing
- irrigation.
More information
- Clearer waters: the science behind the NCCP – video trailer
- National Carp Control Plan – Australian Government's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry