Tilapia Buster 2024 a huge success
Despite copping a deluge that would’ve sent Noah scrambling for his ark, the 2024 Tweed Tilapia Buster, at Cudgen Lake delivered a fantastic day of fishing, fun, and community action that struck a blow against an invasive species.
Close to 30 dedicated fishers showed up bright and early, rods in hand, ready to tackle one of the most invasive species threatening the native fish in our waterways.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the event successfully removed a number of invasive tilapias from the lake, providing an important boost to its delicate ecosystem. Participants enjoyed the thrill of the catch and helped protect native fish populations by reducing tilapia’s impact on water quality, habitat, and food competition.
A Community Effort
This event wasn’t just about reeling in the big ones. It raised awareness of the harm invasive species like tilapia cause to our wildlife. OzFish, in partnership with Tweed Shire Council, shared important information with the local fishers about how this pest fish multiplies rapidly, displacing native species and upsetting the lake’s natural balance.
Tilapia are listed as one of the top 100 of the world’s most invasive species, making them the ultimate unwanted dinner guest. To control the tilapia’s spread, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has set strict handling guidelines such as not being allowed to transport them or return these fish to waterways.
To join the fight against this invasive species, read the full list of rules here. Events like this follow all these guidelines while uniting the community by combining education with actions that create real change.
Highlights of the Day
A bit of rain wasn’t enough to wash out the enthusiasm of the keen fisher, who reeled in not just tilapia but plenty of unforgettable moments, too. Max Young stole the show by reeling in the biggest tilapia of the day, which he said was personal first.
His impressive catch not only earned him a dedicated OzFish prize but also inspired others to embrace the challenge of tackling this destructive pest. Participants also fished for native species, adhering to the catch-and-release policy to ensure the health of Cudgen Lake’s ecosystem. Whether fishing from the shore or by kayak, everyone contributed to the cause, creating a lively and cooperative atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
Events like Tilapia Buster are crucial in the ongoing fight against invasive species. They’re a reminder that even small actions, like casting a line, can have a big impact when combined with community effort.
OzFish would like to thank everyone involved, from the fishers and volunteers to our partners at Tweed Shire Council, Tweed Water Sports, and BCF, for making this event successful. We’ll be hosting another tilapia buster event at Saltwater Creek, and we will be back in Cudgen next year, hopefully with better weather and more fish.
Join the Tweed River Chapter to learn more about these events and get involved in protecting our waterways and native fish for future generations.
