Helping protect Victoria’s waterways, one carp at a time
European carp are one of Australia’s most damaging invasive freshwater fish species. Through fishing, hands-on environmental education and community action, Fishcare Victoria’s Catch a Carp program is helping Victorians understand the impacts of carp and discover how they can make a positive difference.
Whether you’re an experienced angler, trying fishing for the first time or simply curious about the health of our waterways, Catch a Carp offers something for everyone.
More than just fishing
Catch a Carp is a statewide community education initiative delivered by Fishcare Victoria with funding from the Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account. The program brings together recreational fishers, families, schools, environmental organisations and local communities to tackle a shared challenge: protecting our freshwater environments from the impacts of invasive European carp. Our events combine practical fishing experiences with environmental education, habitat restoration activities and demonstrations of responsible carp handling and utilisation. By connecting people with their local waterways, we aim to inspire a greater understanding of aquatic ecosystems and encourage responsible fishing practices that contribute to healthier waterways for future generations.
Up-coming
Events
Our Catch a Carp events bring communities together for a day of fishing, learning and environmental action. With guided fishing clinics, educational displays, hands-on activities and opportunities to meet passionate people working to protect our waterways, there’s plenty to discover.
SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER
Barwon Valley Fun Park
Join Fishcare Victoria for a free family-friendly Catch a Carp event along the Barwon River. Enjoy guided fishing clinics, interactive habitat and ecology activities with OzFish and practical carp processing and cooking demonstrations with Keith Bell. With prizes, giveaways and activities for all ages, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about responsible fishing and protecting our waterways. Free event. Bookings essential for fishing clinics.
SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER
Navan Park Lake, Harkness
Join the community for Catch-a-Carp Day, presented by Melton City Council in partnership with NatureWest as part of National Water Week. Fishcare Victoria will be among the organisations providing education and information about responsible fishing and the protection of our freshwater environments. The day includes fishing activities, educational displays, community stalls, prizes and family entertainment.
Free event. Registrations are currently full, waitlist available.
SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER
Howitt Park, Bairnsdale
Fishcare Victoria is working with local organisations and community partners to plan a Catch a Carp event at Howitt Park. The event will bring together fishing education, environmental awareness and community participation, helping local residents learn more about invasive carp and the importance of protecting East Gippsland’s waterways.
Free event. Bookings essential for fishing clinics. Registration for this event will open soon.
Event Activities
Our friendly Fishcare facilitators and dedicated volunteers provide fun, hands-on fishing clinics for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
Whether you’re picking up a fishing rod for the first time or looking to improve your skills, participants can learn how to prepare fishing equipment, cast a line, target carp, identify different fish species and handle catches safely and responsibly. Along the way, participants discover why European carp pose a threat to our freshwater ecosystems and how recreational fishers can play an important role in protecting native fish and their habitats.
Our clinics also promote sustainable fishing practices, waterway safety and responsible carp management. No previous fishing experience is necessary, and all fishing equipment is provided at our organised clinics. With plenty of encouragement, practical guidance and opportunities to get involved, it’s a fantastic way to build confidence, connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors while learning to fish and learning to care.
Our project partner, OzFish Unlimited, helps participants discover the fascinating ecosystems that exist beneath the surface of our waterways. Through interactive activities, participants can explore aquatic habitats, investigate waterbugs and learn how healthy waterways support native fish and other wildlife.
Waterbug investigations: Discover the tiny creatures that live in freshwater environments and what they can tell us about waterway health.
Fish habitat demonstrations: Explore how fish hotels, submerged timber and aquatic vegetation provide important shelter for native species.
Waterway restoration: Learn how recreational fishers and communities can contribute to improving aquatic habitats.
What happens to a carp after it’s caught?
Carp utilisation advocate and commercial fisher Keith Bell brings extensive practical knowledge to Catch a Carp through demonstrations of responsible carp handling, processing and utilisation.
Participants can learn about humane dispatch, appropriate processing techniques and ways carp may be put to productive use rather than simply wasted.
Demonstrations explore the potential for carp to be used as food, fertiliser and other useful products, while reinforcing the importance of safe, legal and environmentally responsible disposal.
Together, these sessions encourage fishers to consider the entire journey of their catch, from identification to final disposal.
Why Are Carp a Problem?
European carp (Cyprinus carpio) are an introduced freshwater species that can cause significant environmental damage.
As carp feed along the bottom of rivers, lakes and wetlands, they disturb sediment and uproot aquatic vegetation. This can increase water turbidity, reduce sunlight reaching underwater plants and degrade important habitat for native fish and other aquatic wildlife. Carp can also compete with native species for food and habitat, placing additional pressure on already vulnerable freshwater ecosystems.
Healthy waterways need more than carp removal.
They also need thriving aquatic vegetation, healthy fish habitat, good water quality and communities committed to their protection. That’s why Catch a Carp combines responsible carp management with practical environmental education and community involvement.
Our Project Partners
OzFish
OzFish brings specialist knowledge of fish habitat restoration and aquatic ecosystems, helping participants understand the importance of healthy waterways through practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Keith Bell
Keith Bell shares his knowledge of commercial carp harvesting, processing and beneficial utilisation, demonstrating how responsible management can help reduce waste and encourage sustainable practices.
Victorian Government
Every year the Victorian Government, through the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account, disburses revenue derived from the sale of Recreational Fishing Licences to projects that will improve recreational fishing in Victoria.
Before you attend
Please read the event details carefully before attending, including information about equipment, supervision, fish handling and disposal arrangements. As our fishing clinics are held outdoors, weather conditions may affect whether an event can proceed safely. Clinics may be modified, postponed or cancelled due to heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms or other unsuitable conditions. We encourage all participants to check the event listing and their emails before travelling for any last-minute updates or changes.
Interested in partnering with us on an event?
Councils, angling clubs and community groups can talk with us about workshop or education support for a local event.