Cash to be made in carpageddon clean-up?

Government is still cooking up its plan to release a strain of herpes into the Murray-Darling Basin in 2018 to deplete the rampant European carp population by up to 90 per cent. 

But more questions are being asked about the logistics of clearing millions of tonnes of dead fish across three states. 

Last week the ABC reported University of Adelaide researchers had begun tests on the amount of oxygen decomposing fish use up, with indications that the herpes release and cleanup could have extensive side effects on the ecosystem.

Government has committed to developing a scientifically-sound plan that allays both environmental and social concerns. 

Deniliquin-based Charlie Carp chief executive Harold Clapham says harvesting dead carp for fertiliser or fish meal could be a  money-spinner for landholders in the same way it had been for him.

“I think that’s not a silly process - the reality is, the majority of the river systems, lakes, billabongs, waterholes all go through private proptery,” Mr Clapham said. 

“And leaving a biomass like that in the rivers is not an option.

“You couldn’t use them for human food – but there are other possibilities there.”

Mr Clapham said he was confident there would be enough carp left from the cull for his business to continue. 

He also floated the idea of conducting a carp bounty before the virus is released. 

“I think the government could even set a bounty to start off with, run it over a two to three year period to get a better understanding of the situation… and make for a more cost-effective clean-up.”

Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation chief executive Allan Hansard said fishers were broadly supportive of the cull, and very likely to help out in the event of a clean-up. 

He said similar to community carp catch days already took place throughout the basin – though a bigger effot would be needed. 

”If they can work out a way for us to help, we’re there,” he said. “Instead of talking (the cull and clean-up) down, we should spend energy on finding the solution, and trusting our scientists.” 

NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen said hard work and proper planning would be required for landholders to enjoy any benefits from a cull. 

“This of course means the most efficient and beneficial use of bio-mass possible, and equitable and practical approaches to farmer participation,” Mr Schoen said.