Woman Leaves Park Carrying a Torso-Sized Carp on Her Shoulder... Sparking Debate in Australia

Debate over woman who caught a large carp in a park
Park authority: "Fishing is not permitted"
"Staff intervene when necessary"

A woman was seen carrying a large carp on her shoulder in a park in Sydney, Australia, sparking controversy locally.

Catches large carp in park and carries it on her shoulder... Illegal fishing or invasive species removal?

A woman carrying a large carp on her shoulder. Instagram.

According to Australian outlet 7NEWS on October 19 (local time), a video recently circulated online showing a woman carrying a large carp on her shoulder after catching it in a pond at Centennial Park in Sydney. The fish in the video was believed to be a carp, which Centennial Park has designated as a pest species.

The video drew a range of reactions online. Some criticized the woman, saying that fishing in a public park violates the rules, while others defended her, saying she had done the right thing by removing a harmful invasive species.

As the controversy grew, park authorities said, "Fishing is not permitted in Centennial Parklands in order to protect water quality, wildlife and visitor safety." They added, "Carp are an invasive species found in most freshwater ecosystems in eastern Australia, including Centennial Park," and explained that "park staff patrol the ponds and intervene when necessary."

A pest that degrades water quality... "Caught carp should be disposed of properly"

The park's website classifies carp as a "pest" because they degrade water quality and hinder native fish from establishing themselves. The website explains that "carp reproduce rapidly, reducing the chances of native fish surviving." It also says that various methods, including electrofishing, nets and angling, have been used to control their numbers, but even after several tonnes of carp were removed, the population could not be eradicated entirely.

Meanwhile, a state government department recommends that caught carp not be released and instead be disposed of properly. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) says carp damage aquatic ecosystems through their bottom-feeding habits. It advises that "caught carp should be humanely killed" and that, "where possible, they should be used for food, pet or livestock feed, or fertilizer; if there is no way to use them, they should be disposed of appropriately."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.