The CSIRO, which is doing research as part of the National Carp Control Plan, has announced that the federal government will make a decision about the carp virus release at the end of 2018. 

Researcher Brent Henderson said the organisation was researching the ecological and social risks association with the use of the carp virus in Australia.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority chief executive David Brennan said the announcement would create certainty in the industry.

“The concept of a carp virus has been discussed for a number of years, with tentative dates released,” he said.

“Now we know that next year we will get a definite answer.

“This will help organisations weigh up their options in managing carp.”

Mr Brennan said majority of lakes and waters in the Wimmera had carp in them.

“Some are carp free, but if we could get rid of carp completely, it would mean a great environmental return for the region,” he said.

Mr Brennan said carp caused considerable damage to the region’s waterways.

“They eat vegetation or water grasses that native fish need for food and reproduction,” he said.

“They also muddy up the water, which leads to poor water quality and affects the plant life because the sun light is unable to get down to the river bed.

“They are predators to insects and frogs as well – they are pests like rabbits or rats but in the water.”

Mr Brennan said the authority was eager to test a carp virus in the Wimmera.

“We’ve been in contact with various organisations in the past five years discussing the merit of testing the carp virus in parts of the region,” he said.

“Our waterways system is totally enclosed, so if a virus was released it would be contained and couldn’t spread to other areas.

“We also have about 25 per cent of Victoria’s wetlands.”

National Carp Control Plan national co-ordinator Matt Barwick said research into the virus was important.

“We need to engage with the community and understand the possible social risks perceived by stakeholder groups, including the general public at the ground-level,” he said.

“This will help ensure that we can develop a plan that can address these aspects.

“So far, we are learning that while people are seeking further information on the logistics and practicalities of carp control, they are keen to learn more about the concept.

“Carp are generally considered to be an unacceptable blight on our aquatic landscape.”