In this section:
Invasive Species
This new SARDI Aquatic Sciences subprogram conducts research and provides practical advice to river managers and key stakeholders regarding the distribution, abundance, ecological impacts and management of invasive freshwater fishes such as common carp (Cyprinus carpio).
Research projects are conducted in collaboration with state and federal agencies, including the Murray Darling Basin Commission, the Invasive Animals CRC, AMLR & SA MDB NRM Boards, Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre (VIC), NSW Fisheries, the University of Adelaide and the Adelaide City Council. Click here to download Invasive Species Subprogram capability statement (.pdf)
Overview & research projects
Presently, there are four key research projects within the subprogram:
- ‘Spawning migrations and attractant flows: Achilles’ Heel exploitation of innate carp behaviours’ – involves the development and evaluation of wetland carp separation cages and carp push traps for use at wetland inlets, and the testing of sensory attractants to optimise the uptake of carp into traps.
- ‘Evaluation of carp exclusion screens for use at wetland inlets’ – evaluating aspects of the construction and configuration of wetland carp exclusion screens to inform the development of ‘optimised’ screens and operational standards to govern their future construction, use and management across the distribution of carp.
- ‘Development and implementation of an integrated carp management strategy for the Torrens Lake, Adelaide’ – The strategy is informed by recent information indicating that carp exhibit distinct, predictable distribution and habitat selection patterns that can be exploited for control purposes.
- ‘Integrated carp management at Banrock Station wetland’ (project has been on hold since Aug 2007 due to the ongoing drought conditions in the SA Murray) - envisaged to be the first to quantitatively demonstrate the effects of carp on the aquatic environment, and additionally, the ecological benefits their removal using an integrated approach.
We also advise and provide research services to other projects focussed on a) developing carp population models for the MDB, b) identifying carp recruitment ‘hot spots’, and c) quantifying the ecosystem impacts of trout on native fish communities within the Mount Lofty Ranges, SA.
Selected Publications
Video of Lake Bonney Prototype Wetland Carp Separation Cage
Fredberg, J., Smith, B., Thwaites, L., Conallin, A. and Fleer, D. (2009). Monitoring temporal changes in the species composition and lateral movement patterns of small-bodied fishes within the inlet and outlet creeks to Banrock Station wetland. (PDF 229.2 KB). SARDI Publication No. F2009/000104-1, SARDI Research Report Series No. 337. Prepared by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide. 18 pp.
Smith B, Thwaites L and Conallin A (2009) Guidelines to inform the selection and implementation of carp management options at wetland inlets: a test case for South Australia. (PDF 2.6 MB). Prepared by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences) for the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.
Smith, B, Vilizzi, L. and Conallin, A. (2007) Analyses of the combined 'fish' dataset from the 2004-2007 South Australian River Murray wetlands baseline surveys. (PDF 2.3 MB). SARDI Aquatic Sciences Publication Number F2007/000526-1. SARDI Research Report Series No: 228
Thwaites, L., Fleer, D. and Smith, B. (2007). Conceptual development of a 'finger' style pushing trap for the common carp, Cyprinus carpio. (PDF 358.8 KB). SARDI Aquatic Sciences Publication No. F2007/000790-1. SARDI Research Report Series No. 238. 2007.
Smith BB, Hammer M (2006) 'Mapping the current distribution of native and exotic fishes within the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin.' (PDF 7.9 MB). Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, SARDI Aquatic Sciences, Adelaide. Research Report Series No. 119
Smith BB (2005b) 'The state of the art: a synopsis of information on common carp in Australia.' (PDF 754.5 KB) Primary Industries and Resources South Australia, South Australian Research and Development Institute., Adelaide. Research Report Series No. 77
Smith BB, Sherman M, Sorensen PW, Tucker B (2005) 'Current-flow and odour stimulate rheotaxis and attraction in common carp.' (PDF 544.7 KB). South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide. Research Report Series No. 96
Program Staff
Dr Leigh Thwaites - Acting Subprogram Leader
Josh Fredberg - Research Service Officer
David Fleer - Technical Services
PhD + Honours students (Adel. Uni):
1. Karl Hillyard (PhD
2. Peter Fraser (PhD)
3. Michael Decelis (Hons)
Contact
Dr Leigh Thwaites
Acting Subprogram Leader
Tel: 08 8207 5495 Fax: 08 8207 5481
PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA 5022
E-mail: leigh.thwaites@sa.gov.au
