Goldfish trapping paves the way for larger pest fish control programs
The OzFish Geographe Chapter has been back on the Vasse River, refining its goldfish trapping techniques, and the results are promising!
A new bait mix was trialled this month, and while an experimental trap entry design initially proved ineffective, the original trap with the new bait landed 11 goldfish in just two days. This is the best catch rate to date and a significant step forward in controlling this invasive species.
With these improvements, the team is now gearing up for an expanded feral fish eradication program, partnering with Murdoch University to target invasive goldfish and carp across the Swan Coastal Plain, from Joondalup to Busselton.
OzFish WA Program Manager Steve Pursell said this progress was vital in tackling the growing problem of pest fish in Western Australian waterways.
“Goldfish and carp are wreaking havoc on our native fish populations and water quality. These pests don’t just compete with native species, they actively degrade their habitat,” Steve said. “Goldfish stir up sediment when they feed, releasing nutrients that can trigger algal blooms. They also prey on the eggs of native fish, making it even harder for our local species to thrive.”
The feral goldfish issue in the Vasse River is an ongoing concern, with individuals recorded at over 40cm long and weighing up to 2kg – some of the largest in the world. If left unchecked, they could spread into the Ramsar-listed Vasse Wonnerup wetlands, further disrupting fragile ecosystems.
OzFish volunteers and, BCF staff and Busselton locals have been working hard to remove these pests and improve conditions for native fish.
“Goldfish removal is just one piece of the puzzle,” Steve added. “The ultimate goal is to create an environment where native fish can thrive and outcompete these invaders.”
As trapping efforts continue, OzFish encourages the community to help protect their local waterways by disposing of unwanted fish responsibly and reporting suspected invasive species to FishWatch.
