Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders has called on Federal Labor to urgently bring forward measures to deal with an explosion of carp numbers.
Mr Saunders is asking Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to set a date to release a herpes virus (Cyprinid herpesvirus 3) to help control populations after the record-breaking floods.
“The footage of the sheer number of carp we have seen out West is unbelievable and confronting,” Mr Saunders said.
“The massive downpours in the past few years have created the perfect breeding ground for this pest, which poses a significant risk to our native fish, our water quality and our habitats.
“Carp will have a devastating impact on our rivers for years to come, so we need to do something now to get these numbers back under control.”
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has supported the development of the carp virus by the Commonwealth since 2016 and welcomed the release of The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) late last year.
The NCCP identified the potential for the virus to be used as a biological control agent but recommended further research to be undertaken.
“We want to see these final steps taken, as well as the development of an implementation plan so that the virus can be rolled out as soon as possible,” Mr Saunders said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government remains committed to exploring all opportunities to reduce carp numbers and improve conditions for our native species.”
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