HEAR about what the carp herpesvirus (Cyprinid herpesvirus) really means for the River Murray at a Wild Wetlands Day near Murray Bridge this Saturday.
National Carp Control Program communications manager Tom Chesson said the $15 million National Carp Control Plan would assess whether it’s a good idea to infect the pest with a virus, and how the river would be cleaned up afterwards.
“Part of the issue is how much of the biomass do you remove from the river system,” he said.
“Work is being done to determine how much carp biomass can be removed from the river and then more work has to be done to find out from which areas they should be removed.’’
Visitors to Wild Wetlands Day will be given the opportunity to ask questions about carp biology, the carp virus and what the benefits and risks of its potential release might mean for our waterways here in SA.
Wild Wetlands Day is a popular biannual event that provides a terrific opportunity to get out into one of our amazing wetlands and learn about its plants and critters.
As well as science-based talks, the free day includes a range of activities for both kids and adults to enjoy including kayaking tours, live animal demonstrations, face painting, live music, showbags, giveaways and competitions, bird walks, workshops, citizen science.
Other exciting presentations on the day also include ‘The World of Bird Biology’ by Professor Chris Daniels of the University of SA and a live snake demonstration by the ‘Mirtchin of Venom’ Peter Mirtchin.
Gates open at the cnr Murray Drive and Tooma Drive, Murray Bridge (east side of river) from 10am until 3pm and the entire event is free, due to support from Natural Resources SA Murray-Darling Basin, Riverglades Community Wetlands Inc, Eastern Hills and Murray Plains Catchment Group, the Rural City of Murray Bridge Council and many other partners.
Visitors are advised to book early for the kayaking tours – registration is essential; telephone the Murray Bridge Natural Resources Centre on 08 8532 9100.