Throughout much of the world, the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, is prized as an easily cultured, nutritious and tasty fish. It also features in a hugely popular fishery, especially in the UK, Europe and the USA. Koi, an ornamental type of carp, is revered by millions for its beautiful colours and intricate patterns. But despite carps popularity elsewhere, it is almost universally despised in Australia.
Carp was originally introduced into Australia in the mid-1800s for ornament and angling, but since its escape into Gippsland and the MurrayDarling Basin, the fish has all but taken over inland waterways, wreaking ecological havoc in rivers, lakes and wetlands. In recent years, controversial methods, including a carp-killing virus, have been championed by some and maligned by others. Surprisingly perhaps, there still are carp enthusiasts in Australia, who fear what such a virus might do.
Carp in Australia tells the story of how and why one of their most hated species was brought to the country. It explores carps relatively recent spread throughout Australia's largest inland river system, the MurrayDarling Basin, its impacts on freshwater ecosystems and the attempts to deal with the scourge. Readers are given key insights into the management challenges and possibilities in carps uncertain future in Australia. Is there hope for eradication, or is this fish here to stay?
