Record reduction of invasive Redfin in Malpas Dam

The 2024 Gone Fishing Day event at Malpas Dam marked a significant reduction in the region’s invasive redfin perch population.

Made possible with the support of OzFish volunteers, Guyra Anglers Club, and the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, the community-driven culling event saw a staggering drop in redfin catches- from 1,018 in 2023 to just 58 in 2024.

This reduction is in stark contrast to the 3,800 redfin caught just four years ago, highlighting resounding progress in the fight against this destructive invader.

This dramatic decline has been achieved through a multi-faceted approach combining culling efforts, targeted stocking of native fish, and vigilant monitoring of local water systems.

These efforts have contributed to a thriving community of native species, particularly bass, which have now reached a size that protects them from predation by alien trout species.

Also known as the European perch, Redfin were first introduced to Australia in the 1860s for angling purposes and are now widespread across NSW, ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, and southeastern South Australia.

Their aggressive predatory nature and rapid reproduction have long threatened native fish populations, causing significant declines in small-bodied species, including fingerlings and the eggs of many important freshwater fish.

With Redfin numbers continuing to drop, native species are beginning to bounce back. This year’s event even saw the first bass caught in four years, a promising sign that the ecosystem is gradually rebalancing. The reduction in Redfin numbers is a huge win for native fish and a turning point that OzFish members and the Guyra Anglers Club have been striving towards.

The success of this year’s event is a testament to the dedication of the OzFish team and Guyra Anglers Club and offers a hopeful outlook for Australia’s freshwater ecosystems. With ongoing efforts in invasive species management and native fish conservation, the future is looking brighter for Australia’s aquatic biodiversity.

Written by Lillie Health, 2024 Young Leader