Document Actions
Pest Fish Species
Carp were first discovered in North West Tasmania in 1975 and again in 1980.These populations were subsequently eradicated by poisoning. Carp were again discovered in Tasmanian waters in 1995 this time in lakes Crescent and Sorell. They have not been found in any other Tasmanian waters since this latest discovery. Carp are currently managed by the IFS to contain them to these two waters, and ultimately eradicate their population in Tasmania.
There are several species of fish and invertebrates that are classified as "controlled' under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995. They are:
Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Carp were first discovered in North West Tasmania in 1975 and again in 1980.These populations were subsequently eradicated by poisoning. Carp were again discovered in Tasmanian waters in 1995 this time in lakes Crescent and Sorell. They have not been found in any other Tasmanian waters since this latest discovery. Carp are currently managed by the IFS to contain them to these two waters, and ultimately eradicate their population in Tasmania.
Yabbies (Cherax destructor)
All species of mainland yabbies (Cherax.spp) are listed as controlled fish. The only species found in Tasmania is Cherax destructor, which was first released in Tasmania’s midlands, and has since been transported to farm dams and waterways around the State. Yabbies have the potential to out-compete native crayfish and, due to their burrowing habits, have been blamed for dam failures.
Eastern gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki)
First discovered to be in Tasmania in 1990, there are currently several self sustaining populations in the upper reaches of the Tamar estuary. The largest population of Gambusia can be found in the Tamar Island Wetland Reserve Conservation Area where there is unrestricted access to the main estuary. Gambusia are an annual species with enormous reproductive capacity. An average female is able to give birth to up to 450 live young over the summer breeding season. Gambusia is a threat to Tasmania’s native fish and frogs because of its superior competitive abilities and its extremely high tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions.
Other Controlled (noxious) fish
A number of species are on this listy that are prohibited imports and classified as noxious fish under Commonwealth legislation, these are mirrored as "controlled" species under Tasmanian Law. The list of these species can be found by going to this link:
Inland Fisheries Controlled Fish Order 2007
Three fish species present in Tasmanian waterways, although classified as "acclimatised" are regarded as undesirable pests. They include Tench (Tinca tinca), redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) and goldfish (Carassius auratus). Although the service has little control over reducing populations of these species, preventing their spread is considered a high priority.
Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Goldfish show considerable colour variation in captivity, but in the wild tend to revert to their natural colour of olive green to golden bronze. Most Tasmanian populations are a result of releases from aquariums and are locally abundant in farm dams and some streams. They are believed to compete with native fish and have the potential to spread fish diseases and parasites.
Redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis)
Redfin perch were introduced soon after trout in the 1860’s. Over the past 30 years, redfin have spread to some of Tasmania's trout waters and into areas of high conservation significance. Redfin have been directly linked to declining trout fisheries and native fish distributions, and are capable of forming large unmanageable populations.
Tench (Tinca tinca)
Tench were introduced into Tasmania from Europe and were well established by the 1880’s. They are usually dark olive green in colour with orange red eyes. They are now widespread in Tasmania. Tench are believed to directly compete with trout and native fish for food.
