Catch-a-Carp for healthier waterways

Published on 16 September 2026

A strong community response to Catch-a-Carp Day will see locals come together at Navan Park Lake this October to learn more about protecting our waterways and help tackle one of Australia's most damaging freshwater pest species.

The free event, presented by Council in partnership with NatureWest to commemorate National Water Week, is now fully booked.

While there will be plenty of fun on the day, including fishing, demonstrations and activities, Catch a Carp Day has an important environmental purpose.

Why are carp a problem?

Carp are an invasive pest species that can have a significant impact on water quality, aquatic vegetation and native fish populations.

They reproduce quickly, with female carp capable of producing up to one million eggs each year, and can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions.

As bottom feeders, carp disturb mud and sediment while searching for food. This can make the water cloudy and reduce the sunlight reaching aquatic plants.

These plants play an important role in healthy waterways, providing food and habitat for native fish and other aquatic species. Carp can also prey on native fish eggs, larvae and juvenile fish, while their feeding behaviour can contribute to the loss of established aquatic vegetation.

Catch a Carp Day gives our community a practical way to learn about these impacts while helping remove carp from Navan Park Lake.

Working together for healthier waterways

Protecting our waterways takes collaboration, and Catch a Carp Day brings together organisations and community groups with expertise in fishing, waterway health, conservation and sustainability.

Council is partnering with NatureWest to deliver the event, with Melbourne Water, Eynesbury Environment Group, Djerriwarrh Creek Community Group, FishCare, VRFish, Victorian Fisheries Authority and Council's Sustainability and Waste teams also sharing information and practical advice on the day.

Visitors will be able to learn about native fish, responsible fishing and ways to reduce the impact of discarded fishing gear and litter on wildlife and waterways.

Melbourne Water will also provide an opportunity for people to trade old illegal opera house nets for wildlife-safe alternatives.

Fishing line, hooks and other discarded fishing gear can injure wildlife through entanglement or ingestion, which is why responsible disposal is another important part of caring for our waterways.

A great community response

Catch-a-Carp Day is now fully booked, reflecting strong community interest in getting involved and learning more about our local environment.

Those who missed out can still join the waitlist in case places become available.
Register your interest in the wait list

Catch a Carp Day
Saturday 24 October, 10am to 2pm
Navan Park Lake, Harkness