Catch a Carp
Catch, Learn, Protect
Catch a Carp is a state-wide education project delivered across five regions of Victoria, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Geelong, Melbourne Metro and East Gippsland. Through five community-based events, Fishcare Victoria partners with local schools, community groups and environmental organisations to raise awareness about European carp and their impact on waterways.
Each event combines fishing activities with habitat education delivered by OzFish and carp processing and cooking demonstrations by Keith Bell. Funded through the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Grants Program, the project supports communities to reduce carp, protect native habitats and build long-term care for Victoria’s waterways.
Why Carp Matter
European carp are one of Victoria’s most damaging invasive species. Their feeding behaviour damages aquatic plants, reduces water quality and destroys habitat used by native fish and wildlife.
When carp numbers are high, waterways become murky, unstable and less able to support healthy ecosystems.
Our Partners
Catch a Carp events are delivered in partnership with local communities, schools and environmental organisations who share our commitment to healthy waterways and responsible fishing. We’re proud to work alongside partners like OzFish, community groups and skilled educators to bring fishing clinics, habitat activities and carp cooking demos to each event.
Interested in partnering with us on a Catch a Carp event in your area? Get in touch, we’d love to chat.
OzFish
Delivering Habitat Education
K & C Fisheries
Delivering carp processing, education & cooking demonstrations
Grade 5/6 at Skipton Primary
Driving Force behind the Skipton Event
Recreational Fishing License Trust
Funded by Victorian recreational fishers through their licence purchases, this project reinvests directly into healthier waterways and community education
Up Coming Events
Join us at one of our upcoming Catch a Carp events and be part of the action. From fishing clinics and habitat activities to carp cooking demonstrations, each event is a hands-on way to learn, connect and care for our waterways. See below for dates, locations and details.
SUNDAY 29TH MARCH, 2026
Clear the Carp is back in Skipton with the Grade 5/6 students leading a community fishing competition on Sunday 29 March 2026 (9am–3pm) at Stewart Park, Skipton. Fishcare Victoria proudly supported the event last year, and this year it forms part of Fishcare’s RFL-funded Catch a Carp project, which means we’re value-adding to the day by bringing along our friends at OzFish to run habitat and aquatic ecology activities and Keith Bell to deliver carp processing and cooking demonstrations. The day will include a BBQ, prizes and fun competition categories (like longest carp, most carp, mystery weight and weirdest catch), plus Fishcare fishing clinics and gear available, all focused on helping Mt Emu Creek recover by reducing carp that muddy the water and damage habitat for native wildlife.
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SATURDAY 23RD MAY, 2026
Catch a Carp is coming to Albert Park, giving the community the chance to fish right in the heart of Melbourne with the city skyline as the backdrop. Held at Albert Park Lake, this event forms part of Fishcare Victoria’s RFL-funded Catch a Carp project and brings together fishing, learning and environmental action in one of the city’s most iconic locations. Fishcare Victoria will be running fishing clinics and providing gear to show participants how to use rods and catch and handle carp responsibly, while OzFish will deliver habitat and aquatic ecology activities and Keith Bell will lead carp processing and cooking demonstrations. With education stations and plenty of support on hand, the day is all about helping reduce carp, improve waterway health and enjoy fishing in a classic Melbourne setting.
MORE EVENT DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED SOON
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER, 2026
Catch a Carp is coming to the Barwon Valley Park in Belmont (Geelong), bringing the community together for a hands-on day of fishing, learning and environmental action along one of the region’s most popular waterways. Set in the scenic surrounds of the Barwon River, this event forms part of Fishcare Victoria’s RFL-funded Catch a Carp project and focuses on protecting local habitats while enjoying time on the water. Fishcare Victoria will be running fishing clinics and providing gear to show participants how to use rods and catch and handle carp responsibly, while OzFish will deliver habitat and aquatic ecology activities and Keith Bell will lead carp processing and cooking demonstrations. With education stations and plenty of support on hand, the day is all about reducing carp, improving river health and strengthening community connection to this iconic Geelong waterway.
MORE EVENT DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED SOON
Activities at Our Events
Our Catch a Carp events bring together hands-on habitat and ecology activities, practical fishing clinics and carp processing and cooking demonstrations to create engaging learning experiences for the whole community. These activities are designed to build skills, share knowledge and increase awareness about the impacts of carp, while empowering participants to play an active role in protecting and improving local waterways.
Habitat and ecology activities at Catch a Carp events are designed to give participants a hands-on understanding of how carp impact local waterways and native species. Delivered in partnership with OzFish, these sessions explore water quality, aquatic plants, riverbank health and the importance of habitat for native fish and wildlife. Participants may take part in simple water bug investigations, learn how sediment disturbance affects ecosystems, and discover practical ways communities can support healthier rivers, lakes and wetlands.
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Fishing clinics at Catch a Carp events are delivered by Fishcare Victoria and provide participants with practical, hands-on guidance in a supportive and welcoming environment. These sessions teach the basics of using fishing rods, targeting carp, and safely catching, handling in line with best practice and regulations. With equipment provided and experienced staff on hand, the clinics help build confidence, improve skills and encourage responsible fishing behaviours for all ages and experience levels.
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Carp processing and cooking activities at Catch a Carp events are led by Keith Bell and give participants practical insight into how carp can be used responsibly and safely. These sessions demonstrate humane dispatch, basic filleting techniques and food handling practices, as well as different ways carp can be prepared for eating or other uses. Participants learn how turning a pest species into a useful resource can reduce waste while supporting healthier waterways.
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