Staff from the Carp Biological Control Program (CBCP) recently attended the River Reflections Conference 2025, held from 29–30 July in Murray Bridge, South Australia.
River Reflections provides a vital platform for sharing knowledge, innovations, and collaborative approaches to address the challenges faced in the Murray-Darling Basin. This year’s event brought together stakeholders from environmental, agricultural, indigenous, youth and local government sectors to discuss strategies for improving river health and ensuring sustainable resource use.
Led by the Environmental Biosecurity Office (EBO) within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the CBCP team spoke to attendees about the program and its potential part in healthier river ecosystems.
The CBCP is a world-first program exploring the use of a carp-specific virus as a biological control agent to reduce invasive carp populations in freshwater systems.
Carp are a major ecological threat, degrading water quality, damaging habitats, and outcompeting native species. Although it occurs naturally in other parts of the world, the virus has never been intentionally released into a freshwater environment before.
The program continues to be a top priority for the EBO, supporting the necessary research, regulatory assessments and interjurisdictional coordination needed to support decision-makers on the potential release of the virus as a biological control agent targeting carp populations. This work is expected to be completed by 2028.
Represented by Andrew Pearce and Carol Quashie-Williams, the team manned an engaging information stall booth that both represented DAFF and highlighted the Carp Biological Control Program (CBCP).
Visitors to the DAFF stall were able to learn about the status of the CBCP: how it works, its potential environmental benefits, and the ongoing efforts to manage carp populations sustainably. The stall also featured educational materials designed to raise awareness and provide accurate information to stakeholders.
The carp team’s participation in River Reflections 2025 shows the importance of fostering cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing to tackle invasive species and broader environmental challenges. By engaging with stakeholders on the ground, the team reinforced the message that healthy rivers are vital to thriving communities and ecosystems. For example, the CBCP team also provided information from DAFF’s Drought Policy team about programs, funding and drought management strategies relevant to the Basin’s communities and industries.
Thanks to all attendees who visited the DAFF stall and engaged with our team. Together, we continue working toward sustainable solutions for Australia’s waterways.
Learn more about the Carp Biological Control Program: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/p…
