WATCH: Korsman has new residents

The Korsman Bird Sanctuary was abuzz with activity recently, as volunteers assisted with the long-awaited fish release, funded by the Benoni Aurora Rotary Club. In 2021, the club was the recipient of an R25 000 district grant as part of its environmental project to introduce indigenous fish at the sanctuary and also to undertake a bold carp netting operation.

The project was, however, delayed following numerous sewage spills, which were the result of faulty and ill-maintained pumps. According to Casper Kruger, of Optimum Fisheries and Research at Hartbeespoort Dam, who assisted with the project, the safe netting and removal of carp in local dams is becoming increasingly necessary to sustain the biodiversity within the bodies of water.

“Carp are invasive fish, yet you can find them in almost every dam across the country,” he said.

“What people do not realise is the presence of these fish within our waters is having a negative impact on the water quality, as well as the other natural species.”

During the netting process, members of Korsman Conservancy volunteer group got down to business heaving heavy nets in an attempt to remove as many carp from the pan as possible.

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“The carp that we have seen thus far is not in the best condition, which is testament to the water quality,” he said.

“These fish will be transported to our facility where they will be used for aquaponics.

“Today’s activities are giving us a great insight into what is needed at Korsman to ensure that the wildlife is sustained naturally. With the introduction of indigenous fish we will not only see an improvement of water quality but mosquito populations will be minimised too.”

While sifting through piles of algae, volunteers were delighted to see the variety of indigenous fish species present in the water.

“Our goal was to remove as many carp as possible and to release fish that are necessary to improve the biodiversity,” said Jane Trembath, chairperson of Korsman Conservancy.

“We were surprised to see how many Southern mouthbreeders we found. This is a good sign for the pan and we believe that with continued partnerships like these the reserve will flourish.

“We are grateful to Benoni Aurora Rotary Club, Casper and all our volunteers, who came out to ‘play’ in the water.”

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