A Day of Fishing, Environmental Action!
On Wednesday, Fishcare had the privilege of hosting an incredible event at Barwon Valley with the students from Clairvaux Primary School. Across four action-packed sessions, we engaged with around 100 enthusiastic kids, teaching them about the importance of managing invasive species and caring for our waterways.
The day began with an insightful introduction by Gary Mac, who not only organized the event but also shared his expertise on why invasive species like carp need to be removed from our rivers and lakes. Gary explained how carp disrupt aquatic ecosystems, muddying the water and competing with native species for resources. This set the tone for an educational and hands-on experience for the kids, highlighting the impact of invasive species on local biodiversity. If you would like to know more about how carp are impacting our environment, check out this great article from the VFA.
Armed with their fishing rods and bait, the students eagerly took to the riverbank, ready to try their luck. Their efforts paid off, with a total of three carp and one tench caught over the course of the day. The highlight? A massive 64cm carp — a record-breaking moment that drew cheers from everyone! 🎣
The day wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers — Greg, Nita, and Steve. Their support ensured we could host such a large group and provide a seamless experience for the students. From teaching fishing techniques to supervising safety and sharing stories about the environment, their contributions were invaluable.
It wasn’t just about the fishing, though. The event was a perfect blend of education and outdoor fun. The sun was shining, the river sparkled, and carp were jumping in abundance. The children left not only with the joy of having spent a day outdoors but also with a deeper understanding of how invasive species like carp affect our waterways and what they can do to help protect the environment.
Events like this remind us why we do what we do at Fishcare — fostering a love for the environment, inspiring the next generation to care for our natural resources, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. To find out more about becoming a volunteer with Fishcare Victoria, check out this link, we are always looking for new faces!
A huge thank you to Clairvaux Primary School, and all our volunteers for making this event such a success. We’re already looking forward to the next one!
#SustainableFishing #Fishcare #CatchACarp #InvasiveSpecies #BarwonValley #CommunityEvent #EnvironmentalEducation
