THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is working with the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI), along with Charles Sturt Uni and The Wedge Group, to provide scientific and engineering advice on preparing a field-based trial to confirm the effectiveness of the carp herpes virus to reduce carp populations.
The ARI-led team will prepare an experimental design for the trial to test the effectiveness of the virus on a range of carp population densities and age groups under conditions representative of Victoria’s rivers, lakes and wetlands.
The team will also provide advice on selecting a suitable field site, assessing biosecurity risks and identifying fit-for-purpose biosecurity controls, and specifying infrastructure requirements and project costings to prepare a preferred site.
The VFA said it is committed to taking meaningful action to reduce the adverse impacts of carp on our native fisheries and aquatic ecosystems, pending a decision by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to release the carp virus.
The VFA will also continue to keep recreational fishers and other community members informed about the preparation of the carp virus trial.
More info at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/carp
