Original story by Amelia Ahern at Brisbane Times
Common carp, Cyprinus carpio
More than 300 Queenslanders have been caught buying and selling noxious fish online this year, prompting a fresh warning from authorities.
The demand for illegal, noxious fish species has increased among ornamental fish enthusiasts and backyard pond owners, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“We have seen a 30 per cent increase in the number of people charged with the possession of noxious fish,” DAFF officer David Albury said.
The department said the rise correlated with an increase in the number of online advertisements for the fish species.
Noxious species, including Tilapia, Gambusia and Carp, were the most commonly sought after.
The Gambusia, also known as the Mosquitofish, was brought to Australia in the 1920s because of its reputation as a mosquito eater, but the species turned out to be no more effective at eliminating mosquitos than native fish.
It is a prolific breeder and known to nip the fins of native fish when competing for food.
Authorities have issued a fresh warning against the sale of such species.
“It’s illegal to bring noxious fish into Queensland, possess rear, sell or buy noxious fish, and release noxious fish into our waterways,” Queensland Boating and Fishing Patrol officer James Honenhaus said.
Offenders can face a maximum $220,000 fine.
Anyone with information about unlawful sales of noxious fish is asked to contact the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline 1800 017 116.
More information is available at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au.
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