Ecological Risk Assessment – Carp Biocontrol Program
Supports the national Carp Biocontrol Program by providing ecological research, risk assessment, and scientific guidance on Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 to inform environmental feasibility and invasive carp management across Australia.
Location: Australia (national program)
Client/Sector: Environmental biosecurity / invasive species management
Challenge:
The Australian Government has been investigating the potential use of Cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) as a biological control agent to reduce populations of invasive common carp. A key requirement of the program is to assess potential ecological risks, particularly impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES) protected under Australian environmental legislation.
Aquatic Assessments Role:
Aquatic Assessments is providing expert ecological research support to the national Carp Biocontrol Program. This includes undertaking a structured scientific literature review, contributing to the development of an updated Ecological Risk Assessment, and providing inputs to the program’s Implementation Framework and Strategic Assessment. The work also includes preparation of technical reporting and contributions to a peer-reviewed scientific publication. The project is contributing to the scientific evidence base informing national decision-making on the environmental feasibility of CyHV-3 as a biological control agent for invasive carp in Australian waterways.