Awards

“Charlie Carp” is a constructive solution to a serious environmental problem. “Charlie Carp” products are produced from European Carp which was introduced into Australia via the North Eastern Victorian Waterways. It has now infested the Murray Darling basin, New South Wales and Queensland river systems and continues the history of an introduced species having a dramatic impact on our environment.

Ian Kiernan AO – Chairman of Clean Up Australia said “Carp are a major problem facing our precious waterways. Aside from displacing native fish, they are also placing unsustainable pressure on some of the country’s most beautiful rivers. Any measures which can reduce the number of Carp in our rivers, and therefore help improve the state of our waterways, is to be commended – especially if it helps the economy at the same time!”

In Australia, the European Carp has no natural predators and hence they prey on young native Australian fish such as the Murray Cod and the Yellow Belly. As a bottom dweller the European Carp eats into the river’s earthen base and sides. This results in surface riverbank erosion which in turn can cause trees to collapse and fall into the river resulting in blockages and damage to the total river system.

Despite the best efforts of Federal and State Governments and the scientific community little has been done to reduce the number of Carp in our waterways. Rather than looking the European Carp as a pest “Charlie Carp” looked at it as a resource and added value to the resource to make new and innovative products – Liquid Fertilisers and Berleys.

Since its introduction into the marketplace 2 1/2 years ago, “Charlie Carp” has gained wide spread recognition as an effective liquid fertiliser. A number of high profile horticulturists and institutions realize the quality of the product and are using it as part of their fertiliser programs.

Based in Deniliquin, NSW, “Charlie Carp” now employs four people in regional areas and sees significant economic benefits associated with the introduction of an environmentally sound product. Each year the company is responsible for removing in excess of 100 tonnes of European Carp from Australian waters.