A video of a woman carrying a huge carp from a pond in Sydney’s Centennial Park has prompted a debate over fishing in the popular public park.
The woman was filmed hauling the torso-length fish over her shoulder, with the footage later viewed by thousands of people on social media.
Some viewers criticised her for allegedly fishing illegally in the park, while others said removing the carp could help protect local waterways because it is an invasive species.
Greater Sydney Parklands, the NSW Government agency responsible for the site, said fishing was not allowed in Centennial Parklands.
“Fishing is not permitted in Centennial Parklands to protect water quality, wildlife and visitor safety,” a spokesperson said.
“Carp is an invasive species that are found in most freshwater systems in eastern Australia, including Centennial Park.”
The spokesperson added: “Rangers patrol ponds at Centennial Park and intervene when necessary.”
Carp remains an ongoing problem in Centennial Park
The species is listed as a pest on the parklands’ website, which says carp can degrade water quality and reduce the chances of native fish populations becoming established.
Carp are prolific breeders and can reduce the survival chances of native fish. Various control methods, including electro-fishing, netting and line fishing, have been trialled at the park, but have not eradicated the population.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development also describes carp as having destructive bottom-feeding habits and says their breeding process makes them impossible to eradicate completely.
While recreational fishing has a limited effect on carp numbers, the department advises that captured fish should not be returned to the water. It says they must be killed humanely and, where possible, used for human consumption, pet or stock feed or fertiliser.
