Why the European carp has to go

THE SCOURGE OF THE EUROPEAN CARP

* European or common carp introduced to Australian waterways more than 100 years ago

* Economic impact estimated at up to $500 million per year

* May make up more than 80 per cent of fish biomass of Murray Darling Basin

* Adversely affects native aquatic plants, animals, general river health

* Feeding methods can uproot aquatic vegetation, muddy the water, reduce water quality

* $15m plan to unleash herpes virus from 2018, wiping out 95 per cent of carp over 30 years

* CSIRO says virus won't affect other fish, animals or humans.

(Source: CSIRO, NSW DPI, federal government)