The City of Subiaco is working with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and SLR Consulting to improve the health of the lakes at Lake Jualbup and Mabel Talbot.
Controlled removal of invasive carp (Cyprinus carpio) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) is required as the species:
prey on native fish
out-compete local wildlife for habitat and food
negatively impact water quality which increases the likelihood of algal and bacterial outbreaks
destroy and uproot native underwater plants
have the potential to spread to other waterways if not managed
have the potential to introduce or spread introduced diseases.
Removal of the species will allow the water quality of the lakes to improve, support the development of biodiverse ecosystems, and allow natural species to be restocked.
The removal is expected to take place from Monday 16 December 2024.
The removal will include electrofishing, which will be carried out under DPIRD’s permit for invasive fish management purposes.
Electrofishing offers a number of benefits when compared to other methods of capture. Because it uses no lines, bait, or other tools, electrofishing doesn’t collect unwanted species or leave behind foreign objects that can injure fish. It is also highly effective, and as a result, technicians spend less time in the water, reducing the potential for disruption or damage to the lake itself.
You can find more information, including how to identify pest or invasive species, here.
If you have further questions, please give our Environmental Team a call on 9237 9222.
Is this process safe for fish? When performed correctly, electrofishing is safe for fish and does not cause long-term harm. Fish are temporarily stunned (between seconds to a few minutes), dip netted, and placed into live wells. Individuals are then processed, and once the process is complete, non-target species are released back into the lake as quickly as possible.
Is this process safe for humans?
Electrofishing is perfectly safe when appropriate protocols are followed. These include the use of dip nets made from non-conductive materials, linesman’s gloves, life jackets, and rubber-soled shoes. Additionally, a system of pedals ensures that the electrical circuit is only completed, and a field created, when all staff are ready and operating the pedals of the boat electrofishing unit.
What can you do to prevent invasive species from spreading?
You can play an important role in preventing the release of aquatic pests and reporting any you might see or catch.
Never release any aquarium life or aquarium water into our marine or freshwater environments. Aquariums and ornamental ponds should be designed and located such that inhabitants can't escape.
Consider stocking native species for mosquito control, this is also good environmental practice.
If you see any introduced species in the wild or catch them, don't return them to the water - dispose of them humanely and report them.
