A video showing a woman carrying an enormous carp through Sydney’s Centennial Park has sparked a heated online debate and drawn a response from a government authority.
The footage was recorded near one of the park’s ponds at Centennial Park, close to Moore Park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. It shows the woman carrying the torso-sized fish over her shoulder as a young child walks beside her.
A stunned bystander filmed the scene from inside his car.
“What the f***!” the man can be heard shouting.
“You can’t fish here.”
Greater Sydney Parklands told 7News.com.au that fishing is banned across Centennial Parklands to safeguard water quality, wildlife and the safety of visitors.
According to the agency’s website, anyone who breaks the park’s rules could face a fine.
“Rangers patrol ponds at Centennial Park and intervene when necessary,” a spokeswoman told 7News.
Footage of a woman carrying a huge carp through Sydney’s Centennial Parklands has gone viral
The incident prompted sharply divided reactions from Australians online
The Daily Mail has contacted Greater Sydney Parklands for further comment.
Carp are native to Asia but now inhabit most freshwater systems across eastern Australia, including the ponds at Centennial Park.
The species is widely classified as a serious freshwater pest.
“Carp degrade the water quality of the ponds and limit the opportunity for native fish populations to become established,” the Greater Sydney Parklands website says.
“They are prolific breeders and reduce the survival chances for native fish.
“Although several tonnes of carp have been removed, these programs have not eradicated the carp population, which remains an ongoing problem.”
Although fishing is prohibited in the parklands, NSW’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advises that carp should never be released back into the water and must instead be disposed of.
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“Captured carp must be killed in a humane manner,” the department says on its website.
Fishing is banned at Centennial Parklands to protect water quality, wildlife and visitor safety
The video, reshared by popular Instagram account Brown Cardigan, sparked a mixed reaction from viewers.
“It seems so wrong, especially given the size of the fish,” one person commented.
Another added: ‘Centennial Park carp tonight, Prince of Wales Hospital in the morning.’
Others did not think it was a big deal and praised the woman, believing she had removed an invasive fish from the park.
‘I can absolutely guarantee that this became a delicious dinner and what a great use of an invasive species! If you can’t beat them, eat them!’ NT-based tour guide David McMahon said.
Another Aussie wrote: ‘Doing God’s work. Well done lady!’
High-profile locals also weighed in.
‘What the actual…!’ former The Biggest Loser personal trainer Michelle Bridges remarked.
Long-serving Bondi Rescue lifeguard Andrew ‘Reidy’ Reid added: ‘Hahahaha.’
A spokesperson from Greater Sydney Parklands said that fishing is not permitted in Centennial Parklands to protect water quality, wildlife and visitor safety.
‘Carp is an invasive species that are found in most freshwater systems in eastern Australia, including Centennial Park,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Rangers patrol ponds at Centennial Park and intervene when necessary. Rangers aim to foster a cooperative approach with the community about how to safely and equitably share the park and protect its environment.
‘Unauthorised fishing can result in potential on the spot fines of between $150 to $500.’
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