Monster goldfish take big toll on SW rivers
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=155307
15th July 2009, 6:30 WST
Feral goldfish up to 45cm long and weighing 2kg are on the increase in South-West rivers and waterways, wreaking environmental havoc after being freed from home ponds.
Last month, scientists eradicated 500 giant goldfish in billabongs off the Warren River, between Northcliffe and Pemberton.
Goldfish
are a threat to native fish because they prey on spawn, introduce parasites and help algal blooms flourish through their bottom-feeding habits.
The feral goldfish have been discovered in 10 river systems and wetlands in WA, including a big population in Busselton’s Vasse River.
More than 200 have been removed from the holiday town’s main river for the past three years because they thrive in the poor quality, high nutrient water.
The fish are stunned with an electronic device and scooped up, or the water is drained in small waterways.
Murdoch University’s centre for fish and fisheries research scientists David Morgan and Stephen Beatty have done extensive work to eradicate feral fish.
Dr Morgan urged people not to release the common goldfish from home ponds or aquariums.
“You should not be introducing any fish that isn’t native,” he said. Dr Morgan said goldfish and carp could now be found from Moore River to parts of the Warren River.
Dr Beatty said a co-ordinated program was needed to tackle feral fish in WA.
At least 13 species of introduced “feral” fish, including carp, mosquito fish, one-spot livebearers and guppies, had now been found in WA, mainly in the South-West, he said.
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Colin Hay
Posts: 10407
Date Joined: 23/10/07
Roger Knife better pack his carp
fishing gear for his upcoming trip.
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damo6230
Posts: 2029
Date Joined: 07/06/08
yeh Colin was thinking that myself..ha ha
could even consider extending his visa......
don't people realise the damage they do?.......
Roger Knife
Posts: 710
Date Joined: 12/01/09
already packed, bit small
already packed, bit small for me though...being the specimen hunter that i am!
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kaney68
Posts: 401
Date Joined: 29/07/08
Big Goldies !
Yeh saw that in the paper this morning...
source: The West Australian - 15 July 2009
saltatrix
Posts: 1075
Date Joined: 30/03/08
Maybe let fishers know where
Maybe let fishers know where they are, how to target them and have them over fish the carp out of the water ways?
Im sure fishers would be more than happy to contribute to the removal of feral fish species?
Maybe even an online reportingg system of where they were captured and the amount removed to map the the movement of the feral pests?
Angling tourism is worth $10 billion to the Australian economy - 90000 jobs; more than any sport; spread the word
Buz
Posts: 1555
Date Joined: 28/08/07
Yeah but would fisheries
Yeah but would fisheries still want you to pay the $45 freshwater fishing fee if you were targeting them in the frehwater sections of the big rivers? e.g blackwood, warren. Because they still want you to have the license even if you are targeting the other 'introduced pest' Redfin Perch.
Dasho
Posts: 488
Date Joined: 24/03/06
That jumbo orange one would
That jumbo orange one would look good in a pond with some coi carp.
Put a $200 price on their heads and people will go out of there way to cash in and catch them.
There was a guy catching coi carp at Golden ponds to take home and put in his pond. $15/kg is cheap for a coi.
saltatrix
Posts: 1075
Date Joined: 30/03/08
There was a guy catching coi
There was a guy catching coi carp at Golden ponds to take home and put in his pond. $15/kg is cheap for a coi.
Which pond are the Koi in? Id rather have a Silver, Golden Perch in my pond any day.
Angling tourism is worth $10 billion to the Australian economy - 90000 jobs; more than any sport; spread the word
Dasho
Posts: 488
Date Joined: 24/03/06
In the lake behind the shed
In the lake behind the shed with all the tanks in it.
The old fella there will guide you.
I caught a salmon sized yellow & black one. My mate filmed it, then fell in the lake sliding down the mud wall.
carnarvonite
Posts: 8627
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Old Picton Church
Used to catch big ones like that one in the swamp/lake behind the Old Picton church in Bunbury
aquagenes
Posts: 223
Date Joined: 28/10/08
Your kiding dude i used to
Your kiding dude i used to live on wollaston ave up the road from the little shop.and used to spend a lot of time at the pond.
carnarvonite
Posts: 8627
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Rodsted Street
Lived in Rodsted st when there was only 9 houses in it and only a gravel track from the last house.No other streets led to it..Spotted some the last time at the church about 5 yrs back so wouldn't be surprised if there is still some there.