Carp Harvesting

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:44): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development regarding carp harvesting.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: Carp is considered an invasive species in the River Murray. The federal government has spent more than $15 million on a plan to control carp involving research to explore the effects of releasing a herpes virus on other fish species. However, as reported by ABC News on 29 August 2024, scientists and industry experts are calling on alternative plans to reduce carp numbers.

Advocates, such as Africola chef Duncan Welgemoed, suggest utilising carp as a source of collagen for use in the cosmetic and health industries, which is backed by other industry professionals. Mr Welgemoed further said:

We need to get as much carp out of the Murray River as possible and we are presented with all these awesome solutions that create industry, create jobs and minimise the impact of the invasive species.

Additionally, the opposition has received correspondence from other South Australian farming stakeholders advocating for the harvesting of carp from the River Murray in the use of other commercially viable businesses. My questions to the minister are:

1. Is the minister aware of the ecological impact of the current plan to release the herpes virus to kill off carp?

2. Has the minister explored alternative solutions for harvesting carp?

3. Has the minister received any correspondence from stakeholders regarding the harvesting of carp from the River Murray?

4. Has the minister consulted with stakeholders on alternative solutions for harvesting carp, including potential investment to utilise carp in health and cosmetic industries?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:46): I thank the honourable member for her question. The first question was whether I am aware of the impact of the herpes virus, should it be released on carp. The national report that was released essentially said that we need more research to be able to understand those impacts. The second question was in relation to alternative uses, and certainly I am aware of some of the alternative uses that are either already in place in different areas of the world or potentially could be adopted. I am certainly happy, if anyone has proposals to bring to government for investment in any particular projects that might relate to this matter, for those proposals to be considered.