Carp in Australia

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 carp’s 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 Murray–Darling Basin, the fish has all but taken over our inland waterways, wreaking ecological havoc in our 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 our most hated species was brought to this country. It explores carp’s relatively recent spread throughout our largest inland river system, the Murray–Darling 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 carp’s uncertain future in Australia. Is there hope for eradication, or is this fish here to stay?