Turning Carp from a Pest into a Resource
As part of Fishcare Victoria’s Catch a Carp events, Keith Bell from K & C Fisheries Global will be delivering practical carp processing, cooking and product demonstrations that show just how much value can be found in a fish often seen only as a pest.
Keith has spent decades working with European carp and is widely recognised for his knowledge of carp harvesting, processing and value-added carp products. His demonstrations help communities better understand why carp are a problem in Australian waterways, while also showing how removed carp can be used responsibly and creatively.
What Keith Will Be Showcasing
At the events, Keith will bring along a wide range of products made from carp and explain how almost every part of the fish can be used.
Participants will be able to learn how carp can be turned into:
- leather made from carp skin
- food products from carp flesh
- ornamental items made from carp scales
- compost and fertiliser products
- animal and aquaculture feed products
- other value-added products that reduce waste and make better use of removed carp
Rather than seeing carp as something that simply needs to be caught and discarded, Keith’s demonstrations show how carp can be managed as a resource once they are removed from the environment.
Carp Cooking Demonstrations
Keith will also be running cooking demonstrations to show how carp can be prepared and eaten.
Many people are surprised to learn that carp is eaten in many parts of the world. Through these demonstrations, Keith will show practical ways carp can be cleaned, filleted and cooked, while sharing tips on how to prepare the fish properly.
The cooking demonstration is designed to be educational and hands-on, helping people understand:
- how to fillet a carp
- which parts of the fish can be used
- how carp can be prepared for cooking
- how carp can be used safely and respectfully
- how food waste can be reduced
Filleting and Processing Demonstrations
Keith will also demonstrate how to fillet a carp and talk through the different parts of the fish that can be used.
This includes looking at the flesh, skin, scales and other parts of the fish, and explaining how each can be turned into something useful. These demonstrations are a great opportunity for participants to ask questions and learn more about carp processing from someone with significant experience in the industry.
Carp as Compost and Fertiliser
Carp can also be a useful source of compost and fertiliser. Because carp are nutrient dense and high in nitrogen, they can be used to support soil health when processed appropriately.
Keith will explain how carp can contribute to composting and fertiliser products, and how this fits into a broader approach of reducing waste and making better use of removed pest fish.
Why This Matters
Carp have a major impact on many Australian waterways. They disturb sediment, reduce water quality and compete with native fish and aquatic species.
The Catch a Carp events are about more than just catching fish. They are about helping communities understand the impact of carp, learning how to fish responsibly, and exploring practical ways to reduce waste once carp are removed from the water.
Keith’s demonstrations bring this message to life by showing that carp can be transformed from an environmental problem into useful products, food, compost and education.
Come Along and Learn
Keith’s carp demonstrations will be part of selected Fishcare Victoria Catch a Carp events.
Come along to see the products, watch the demonstrations, ask questions and learn more about how carp can be caught, processed and used in practical and responsible ways.
These demonstrations are suitable for families, beginner anglers, community members and anyone interested in fishing, sustainability, waterways and making better use of pest fish.
