Carp Numbers Continue to Drop in Billabong Creek thanks to ROAR Project

April 24th, 2025

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The latest carp electrofishing and removal event on April 17, 2025, has once again shown the success of the ROAR case study project in reducing invasive fish populations in Billabong Creek, Conargo, as part of the wider Refreshing Rivers Program.

Led by fish ecologist Dr John Conallin, the team removed 81 European carp, with a total biomass of 80.5 kilograms from a five-kilometre stretch. This builds on earlier electrofishing efforts this year, in January (97 carp, 157 kg) and March (81 carp, 103 kg), reinforcing a clear downward trend in both carp numbers and overall weight.

“Fifteen of the carp got over 500 mm, and they were all large females ready to go this winter. So, at one million eggs for each that’s 15 million less eggs to spawn this winter,” said Dr Conallin.

The invasive carp were removed and sent to Charlie Carp for processing. Native fish sighted included 32 Murray cod and 12 golden perch. Water temperature on the day reached 24°C, with warmer-than-average daytime temperatures, conditions that can stress native fish species and make these management efforts all the more critical.

The ROAR (Rolling out all resources) project is a locally led case study site under the Refreshing Rivers Program, which aims to restore waterway health across southern NSW. The Conargo site has become a practical demonstration of how integrated efforts of carp removal with habitat restoration, native planting, fish releases (golden perch and eel-tailed catfish) and community involvement can bring a waterway back to life.

One final electrofishing day is scheduled before June 2025, and community members will continue to be updated on the results.

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For more information on the ROAR case study and the Refreshing Rivers Program, contact YACTAC or follow our online updates.