Fishing enthusiasts will get an opportunity to wet a line while at the same time learn about the impacts of alien fish species when a Family Fishing Day comes to Wilcannia on the 4th April.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Conservation Manager, David Cordina said carp are a major pest in the Darling River and are widespread in the area, making up more than 90 per cent of all fish in Murray-Darling Basin rivers.
“They are a major threat to the future of the Basin’s native fish stocks which include Murray cod, golden perch, freshwater catfish and threatened species such as the river snail, silver perch, purple-spotted gudgeon and the western population of the olive perchlet.
“This Family Fishing Day provides an opportunity to raise community awareness about the environmental problems caused by carp and other alien fish species.
The Family Fishing Day is open to all anglers, only legal fishing methods can be used and the more carp anglers catch the better their chances are of taking home a prize.
“Volunteers are integral to making these days a success, so anyone that can lend a hand on the day, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated,” Cordina said.
To take part in this event, register for free at The Wilcannia Shire or the Post Office. For more information or to volunteer to help out on the day call David Cordina on 0427 634 009 or 02 6881 1277.
