Tasmania declares carp eradicated after three decades of intensive removal

In 1995 a dead carp discovered on Lake Crescent’s shore triggered a state response after officials confirmed the species’ presence in both Lake Crescent and nearby Lake Sorell. The Tasmanian Inland Fisheries Service launched a 28-year eradication program that combined physical capture, radio-tracking of male “Judas” carp, mesh barriers across marsh entrances, and electrofishing to prevent breeding. By the end of the campaign 49,301 carp—41,504 from Lake Sorell and 7,797 from Lake Crescent—had been removed, leading officials to declare the species functionally eradicated.

Subsequent monitoring showed no juvenile carp and confirmed the absence of successful breeding. The removal has improved water clarity, allowed submerged vegetation to recover, and supported a resurgence of native brown trout, prompting the reopening of the lakes to anglers. Ongoing biosecurity measures aim to keep non-native fish from re-entering the catchments.