Invasive fish species can pose a serious threat to local waterways, and recently the City of Moreton Bay engaged Ecosure to help manage an established population of tilapia, a declared invasive species, at Lacebark Street Park in North Lakes.

Tilapia are highly resilient and fast-breeding fish that can out-compete native species, degrade aquatic habitats and spread quickly between connected water bodies. Ecosure was engaged to safely remove the invasive fish while protecting native aquatic life and meeting all fisheries and biosecurity requirements.

Our aquatic ecologists implemented a targeted one-day removal program using a combination of backpack electrofishing, netting and fish salvage techniques to maximise capture efficiency. The works resulted in the removal of more than 190 tilapia, along with several large goldfish and other invasive species.

Importantly, the operation also protected native fauna. More than 180 native fish, including long-finned eels up to one metre in length, were safely captured and relocated to an adjacent downstream creek.

While the project significantly reduced invasive fish numbers, the presence of juvenile tilapia highlighted the challenge of complete eradication where populations are already established and water bodies are interconnected. Ecosure provided clear, practical advice on future management options, including the need for integrated, longer-term control strategies.