Your fishing licence fees are being reinvested to reduce carp numbers in Lake Wendouree as part of a joint project between the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), Ballarat Fly Fishers, Ballarat District Anglers Association (BDAA) and City of Ballarat.
Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) Chief Executive Officer Travis Dowling said Wendouree was one of Victoria's marquee trout fisheries and increased carp numbers had been reported by anglers in recent years, prompting the clubs to take action.
"The BDAA has got on the front foot and applied for one of our Recreational Fishing Grants to fund a carp investigation and removal project while City of Ballarat have also contributed $10,000," Mr Dowling said.
"Wendouree is one of the best trout fisheries in the state with good access with several boat ramps, regular stocking, the productivity to grow trophy trout and it has been home to international fly fishing competitions for trout."
The VFA will manage the electrofishing operation, which will be undertaken over several days from Monday, 9 September. Electrofishing is both highly effective and has minimal impacts on other fish. Carp that are removed are likely to be transported to facilities where they will be made into a range of products including garden fertiliser.
City of Ballarat Mayor Des Hudson said the important environmental initiative has been proven to be effective in reducing the carp population with flow-on benefits for other fish like trout.
"The City of Ballarat is pleased to contribute to this VFA-led project which will work to control carp and improve water quality and ecology while also enhancing existing fish populations at Lake Wendouree," Cr Hudson said.
The project has been timed to occur after the period in which spawning trout regularly congregate at an outflow pipe near Windmill Drive and before carp begin to spawn in spring.
"While the work isn't aimed at eradicating the carp here, the plan is to reduce their numbers to a level that doesn't impact other fish or water clarity in the lake," Mr Dowling said.
"This a great example of recreational fishing licence fees being used by local clubs to fund really meaningful work that will protect one of our state's premier trout fisheries."
The VFA will host an information session on Tuesday 10 September at the Ballarat Fly Fishers Club where local residents and fishers can come down to the lake and learn how electrofishing works, what carp look like and why they are declared a noxious aquatic pest. Anglers can also discuss the plan with Fisheries Officers at this Saturday's Ballarat Fishing Festival.
