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Rabbits of the WaterwaysKeith and Cate Bell have been working in the carp industry for 17 years. Their business, K & C Fisheries Pty Ltd, harvest wild carp in the Gippsland Lakes and rivers and process them in a factory in Sale. Carp are an introduced species and considered a pest. Despite considerable research, scientists are yet to find a way to eradicate carp from our water systems. Keith and Cate believe regular fishing contributes to managing carp numbers, and have developed their business exclusively around carp.Carp are a resilient species, able to both reproduce at a prolific rate and adept to degraded water systems. They have infiltrated Victoria’s inland waterways and are blamed for causing considerable environmental degradation and changing the habitats of native fish and plant species. Keith agrees carp cause problems but also believes they are a scapegoat for widespread water quality problems. He feels we need to be more aware of what run off comes into the waterways, whether that be run off from domestic or agricultural phosphorus’, industrial development or soil particle run off. Having been a fisherman for over 29 years, Keith believes that if a "fish is worth catching then it has got to be worth looking after". He has developed a quality management system to assure the carp is kept in peak condition for marketability that revolves around ice. Keith designed a boat with an ice slurry hold and produces ice in the factory. Ice keeps the fish fresh from the moment they are taken out of the water, and assures they retains their quality until they get back to the factory in Sale. Using carp is one of the best ways we can all contribute managing the carp problem. Many Australians do not like the taste of carp but that is because we don’t know how to cook it. Carp is considered a delicacy by some Europeans who smoke and marinade it with spices. Keith sells fresh carp to Sydney and Melbourne markets. He is also working with Australian Abalone Exports in Laverton to develop carp other products, such as fish jerky, canned carp, carp fillets, and carp sprinkles. Recently, Keith and Cate began exporting carp bodies to European markets.
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