The North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Native Fish Recovery Program is hosting the popular event on Gunbower Creek at the Gateway Information Centre end of Garden Park on Sunday, October 27.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be heaps of prizes based on the size and number of carp caught, as well as water bug activities, colouring tents, turtle and native fish displays, and a free lunch.

“Families really enjoy the fun of pulling a few carp out of the creek, and we’ll be on hand to talk with them about the work being done to give our native fish the best possible chance,” North Central CMA Project Manager Peter Rose said.

“Boosting conditions for native fish is one weapon we have in the battle against carp. The Native Fish Recovery Plan and our water for environment programs provide the right habitat and flow regimes for our native fish to thrive.”

Register on the day and bait is free.

The Native Fish Recovery Plan provides an opportunity to increase native fish populations, recover threatened species and improve natural values, all integrated with vibrant and productive communities, irrigation, and agriculture.

It addresses three key factors responsible for the decline of native fish populations: loss of connectivity for fish movement and migration; alteration of natural flows regimes; and loss of habitat.

This event is funded as part of the Victorian Government’s $248 million investment over four years (2020-2024) to improve the health of waterways and catchments across regional Victoria.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 8 October 2024.