More than 40 sessions will be held as stakeholders in the $15 million plan look at ways to control the most destructive introduced pest fish species in southeastern Australia.

NCCP co-ordinator Matt Barwick, nicknamed ‘The Carpinator’, said the sessions would be held across five states and were critical for carp-affected communities.

“While these community briefing sessions are important for us to share the background, context and desired outcomes of the NCCP, they also provide an opportunity to hear from community members about how the prevalence of carp impacts on them, their lifestyle or business,” Mr Barwick said.

“We want to work collaboratively with the local community, as healthy river systems and waterways result in healthier communities.

“We want to learn more about how people use the affected river systems and waterways, and work with communities to consider potential direct or indirect impacts – social, environmental, economic or cultural – that may eventuate.”

The NCCP is partnering with state agencies and natural resource management bodies to host the sessions, starting this month.

It’s hoped controlling carp will ultimately improve the quality of Australia’s waterways and aquatic biodiversity. 

A key method being explored is the potential release of the carp virus, Cyprinid herpesvirus 3, as a biocontrol agent.