How many carp is a tinny worth?

by Sarah McGregor - NSW DPI on 12 Feb 2010 It’s carp muster time! Catch a carp at the third annual Namoi Carp Muster and go into the draw to win over $4,000 in prizes including a 10ft tinny and motor, kayak, fishing gear, fuel vouchers and much, much more!

Milly Hobson, Conservation Manager, Industry and Investment NSW said anglers of all ages and abilities will head to the Namoi River in Narrabri on March six and seven for their chance to catch some of these feisty fish, do something positive for the river and maybe win some of the prizes on offer.

'The weekend is also a fun way for the community to learn more about the impact of carp on native fish and how planting trees, removing willows and re-snagging the water could benefit native fish,' Ms Hobson Said.

'There will be a free BBQ again this year and plenty of fun to be had. Bring along family and friends and make a day or a weekend of it.

'Don’t forget that every carp that is caught and weighed-in will give anglers more chances of going in the draw to take home a prize, with category winners including the biggest carp caught, and mystery prizes for both junior and senior categories.

'Even if you don’t manage to catch a carp you will still be in the draw to win a prize and receive plenty of give-aways.'

This introduced species has detrimentally impacted native flora and fauna and local aquatic environments.

Carp are currently listed as a Class 3 noxious fish in NSW under the noxious species provision of the Fisheries Management Act.

'The Carp Muster forms an integral part of the Namoi Aquatic Habitat Initiative, a joint project between Industry and Investment NSW (I&I NSW), Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and Namoi Catchment Management Authority (CMA), which aims to bring back native fish to the Namoi by improving aquatic and riparian habitat,' she said.

'Previous carp musters have led to more than four and a half tonnes of carp being removed from the Namoi River. This is a great result.'

Registration for the Namoi Carp Muster will held at the Crossing Theatre, Narrabri in the Exhibition Room (Saturday) from 8am to 5pm, and the Riverside Room (Sunday) from 8am to 12 noon. The cost is $2 for children and pensioners and $5 for adults.

All entrants are required to abide by the current NSW Fishing Rules and Regulations.

For more information about the competition call Milly Hobson, I & I NSW on (02) 6763 1206.

Joint hosts, the Narrabri Amateur Fishing Club will donate 50% of funds raised from registration on the weekend to the McGrath Foundation. Individual donations can also be made over the weekend for this great cause.

Major sponsor for the 2010 Namoi Carp Muster is Boggabri Coal, with assistance again being given by Namoi Valley Aquafarming.