READ: Man distraught as hundreds of fish die
Although the community made a commendable effort in saving carp at the Sandpan, they are a category two invasive species which has had a destructive impact on the environment and competes with numerous species for food.
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Carp eat plants growing on the bottom of the pan, the same plants that geese and ducks “dabble” for, as well as competing with indigenous fish.
It must have been distressing to see fish dying, but it seems there were thousands of fish in the pan, and this overpopulation would have negatively impacted biodiversity.
This could be an opportunity for these carp to be relocated into a controlled environment instead of being returned to Sandpan, for the overall benefit of the environment.
