The City of Subiaco is working with The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Wetland Research Management to improve the health of the ecosystem at Subiaco Common and surrounds by removing invasive fish species from the lake.
Controlled removal of invasive carp (
Cyprinus carpio) is required as the species preys on native fish and impacts waterways by causing algal bloom.
There is also potential for the species to spread to other waterways if left unmanaged. The presence of non-native species in the lake is likely caused by illegal dumping.
Removal of the species will allow the lake to return to a more natural state, and for it to be restocked with natural species once the invasive species has been safely and completely eradicated.
The fish pesticide 'rotenone' (which is permitted for use for the management of invasive fish) will be applied between
Monday 1 and Friday 5 May 2023 (Alternative dates if rain is present: Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June).
Rotenone only affects gill-breathing organisms and as such, has no ill effects on the health of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. There are currently no native species in the lake, so no native species of fish will be impacted.
While rotenone does not affect humans, the City requests people avoid the lake area while treatment is in progress.
Mayor David McMullen said it was important people were aware of the significant threat invasive species can cause.
“The lake at Subiaco Common, like all our City’s lakes, is not only valued by our community as a place of local amenity and recreation; it is also a sanctuary for native wildlife," he said.
“Dumping invasive species causes harm to native wildlife and threatens our waterways.”
You can find more information on how to
identify and
dispose of invasive fish species on the (DPIRD)
website.
Management activities will be carefully and continually managed and monitored to completion by both the City and the DPIRD.