Removing pest fish to help improve waterways for our native species

Published on 04 November 2024

Gold Coast waterways are safer for native fish species after anglers spent their Saturday casting a line to remove pest fish from the water.

The Gold Coast Pest Fish Classic, run jointly with My Catch Australia, saw more than 678.49 kilograms of pest fish including Tilapia, European Carp and others removed from Gold Coast waters. Since 2016 this event has removed 4682.91 kilograms of pest fish.

The City will next release thousands of native Bass fingerlings into Robina waterways and are asking for members of the community to come along and help.

“Pest fish like the Tilapia can have a devastating effect on our waterways and we are committed to helping manage this and other pest fish species,” Mayor Tom Tate said.

“The pest fish classic brings the community together and raises awareness of the destruction these fish can cause, which includes outcompeting native fish for resources.

“At the end of the month we will be releasing 36,000 Australian bass fingerlings into the Robina Lakes as a part of our commitment to improve fish stocks due to the impact of pest species.”

The community can participate in the native fish release and learn more about the importance of native fish to our waterways.

The fish release will take place on 30 November from 10am to 11:30am. Registration is essential.

This year’s Gold Coast Pest Fishing Classic was the first year the fish caught will be composted instead of going into landfill, providing a 57% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

The fish release is part of the City's NaturallyGC program that contributes to Our Natural City Strategy to help our precious wildlife and their habitat.

The event is also closely aligned with the Gold Coast Biosecurity Plan.

To register for the fish release visit: Cityofgoldcoast.com/naturallygc