In defence of the humble Reddy
AC
evidence to justify what seems to me to be an obsessive preoccupation
on the part of IFS (and others) with eradicating Redfin Perch (aka
English perch, European Perch) from our waters?
My own 'research' on the net has provided me only with vague hints of
the scourge that this much maligned finny friend represents. Terms
like 'it is strongly believed' or 'evidence suggests' just don't cut
the mustard, when it comes to evaluating the environmental impact of
the species. I have failed to find solid scientific evidence that
would support the notion that it represents any greater threat to
native species than do other introduced species, including our beloved
trout.
What the Redfin does do, is provide excellent fishing opportunites,
some variety in our fishing and, in my opinion, a superb table dish!
We have a lamentable lack of native freshwater tablefish species here
in Tasmania. And I doubt that anyone would argue that the
introduction of non-native trout is a bad thing. So why does the
humble redfin come in for such disdain?
In countries where this species is native, it co-exists with other
species, including trout and forms a part of the ecosystem. I don't
see where waters in other parts of the world have been decimated by
the presence of Redfin Perch.
On perusing the Unconfirmed minutes of the 3 June meeting of Anglers
Alliance, I read:
"Redfin
S Chilcott reported that the IFS had poisoned 2 dams adjacent to the
Lyell Highway to kill the redfin perch they contained."
I'm sorry but I just don't get it! Does anyone believe that our
environment is somehow improved by the seemingly pointless eradication
of these creatures?
When out fishing, I regularly see specimens of Redfin that have been
captured by anglers and are simply thrown up on the bank, often to die
a horrible death. Seemingly, this is for no other reason than that
there exists a mentality within this state that, if we don't like it,
we will just poison it or kill it.
I strongly disagree with the approach of IFS where this kind of
environmental heavy handedness is allowed to occur. When I was a boy,
I dreamed of one day fishing Lake Crescent. It was at that time, a
hallowed place that produced monster trout. Enter the European Carp,
followed closely by the IFS. And behold, years later, Lake Crescent
is struggling to re-establish itself as an kind of a decent fishery at
all and adjoining Lake Sorrel is in a similar state. I believe all the
trout were wiped out as 'colatteral damage' in the war against the
ghastly Carp. I note that in other parts of the world, the carp is
actually revered as a sportfish, even amongst fly anglers.
In my lifetme, I witnessed the invasion of European Carp into the
Golulburn River system in Victoria and it has become solidly ensconsed
there. I am not aware of any evidence to support that it has had a
significant impact on the river system or on other species in the
system (including introduced trout).
Personally, I am not interested in carp. They are mediocre as a table
fish when compared to Redfin Perch. I refer to them, only to
highlight the consequences of the kee-jerk reaction that we seem to
have against SELECTED non-native fish species.
I can't help wondering if the greatest threat that the Redfin Perch
poses, is that it can establish self sustaining populations, without
the ongoing support of an army of public servants. Or maybe its just
a throw back to the dark days of English snobbery. He is after all,
only a coarse fish!
For my part, I have enjoyed countless days of catching our humble
'Reddy' and countless delicious meals as a result. I think it is a
positive asset to our fishery. I wish that other anglers might join
with me in decrying Its eradication. The waste of IFS resources in
trying to eradicate this species from two farm dams when clearly, it
is already established in so many of our waters, seems absurd to me.
Maybe if we just poison th entire State's waterways, we could
eradicate this creature, along with the carp and the tench .... and
repeat the Lake Crescent experience on a grand scale!
Meanwhile. I will await some verifiable scientific clarification of
the evil danger that swims.
Cheers All,
AC
sorells1trostizz
lagoon, Lake Leake and Meadowbank as well as in the "chain lakes".
Main problem is that they are prolific breeders and it is common to
catch plenty of very small fish rather than the bigger and more edible
ones. I am aware that people who directly target them can develop
techniques to get more of the big ones. (My wife and I caught a heap
of fish over the kilo mark last year at L Leake; but that was a rare
event; usually it is the little fellas that take the wet fly or
lure). I suspect the use of large soft plastics might be one way to
get more of the big ones.
I do not agree with the comments about carp in Crescent and Sorell. I
take my hat off to the IFS team for the extraordinary efforts they
have made there. The ruination of those waters as a trout fishery is
a matter of the permanent reduction in rainfall in the area coupled
with the needs of the irrigators on the Clyde for the already scarce
water that keeps the levels so low wave action continues to tear up
the bottom and to keep so much matter in suspension. The system
needs a drenching - which probably won't happen - to clean out the
rubbish in suspension. There are still very good trout in there (I
caught one a couple of weeks ago and so did one of my mates).