Control Program For Pearl Cichlids In Kiara And Lockridge
The highly invasive feral fish – the pearl cichlid – has been found in waterways within the Kiara and Lockridge areas. This highly aggressive fish can have a devastating impact on the local ecology by eating native fish and competing with them for food.
The State Government will be undertaking a control program commencing Friday 23 June to bring cichlid numbers under control. The control program will run for up to two weeks and will consist of undertaking small-scale shock waves, chemical application and netting in the waterways where cichlids have been found.
The control methods will be applied according to local conditions, including water depth, local wildlife, whether the area is artificial or natural and the amount of cichlids in the area.
Management plans are in place to minimise the impact on native fish and fauna during the control period. A wildlife rescue plan is also in place during the control period should any injured animals be found. Healthy stocks are found immediately outside the control areas and it's anticipated these will naturally move back into treated areas once the cichlids are under control.
What can I do?
Some small shock waves will be used in enclosed water bodies and some areas of drain. This will comprise of very small charges that will be contained within the waterway and should not have an effect outside the waterbody. Residents will be warned before the use of shock waves by an air horn ten minutes prior to the blast and again five minutes prior to the blast. The small shock wave will not have any impact on houses but may be heard by nearby residents. Residents may also hear a shot being fired prior to the blast – this is to scare away any birds in the area. Warning signs will be placed in the area warning people about the use of shock waves and we ask you to follow signage instructions during treatment.
We also advise you stay away from the areas where chemicals are being used. While the chemicals are commonly used in the home garden and in agriculture, it is recommended you, your children and your pets stay away from the area and do not touch any dead fish for up to five days after the treatment. Warning signs will be placed in relevant areas.
Most importantly you can help avoid this happening again. Aquarium fish should be treated as domestic pets and never, under any circumstances, released into the wild.
This map indicates where the treatment will be used.
More information
Residents with questions about the control program can contact 9482 7205.
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