A dedicated team of volunteers are making a remarkable difference at the Korsman Conservancy. Their tireless efforts in the Carp Netting Programme are proving to be a resounding success, restoring balance to a once-threatened ecosystem.
Benoni, South Africa (05 March 2025) – The hard work and dedication of the Korsman Conservancy has made incredible strides in its Carp Netting Programme that not only works to remove invasive carp species but also revitalise a natural sanctuary, giving indigenous species a chance to thrive.
Korsman is a natural pan surrounded by a residential area where visitors can escape the city and enjoy the peace of nature.
To maintain the natural beauty of this gem, the conservancy initiated netting in 2022 as part of its Aquatic Food Web Restructuring project.
According to Korsman Conservancy chairperson Jane Trembath, the project aims to reduce the density of carp and restore the population of indigenous fish as well as attract bird species, all of which were initially very few in and around the pan.
“Carp are bottom feeders and degrade water quality, make the water turbid, destroy aquatic vegetation and outcompete indigenous fish,” Jane explains.
“At Korsman we conduct netting sessions by seine net with a commercial fishery, and by active, not passive gill netting.”
By diligently removing invasive carp, they’ve witnessed a resurgence of indigenous fish and a dramatic improvement in water quality.
Restoring balance to a once-threatened ecosystem
In just a little over two and a half years, the team of volunteers, aged between 12 and 83, has removed 5,700 fish from 27 hectares of open water. The result? The average carp density has decreased by half, and within months of releasing indigenous fish, Malachite Kingfishers were recorded at Korsman after decades of absence!
The team also discovered a record amount of 60 indigenous Banded tilapia in the net not too long ago (which were returned to the pan) – proving that the species is thriving from carp removal, as they nest in mud which the carp disturb.
“Our work is improving the aquatic environment and it’s heartwarming for us to see the results already. However, it’s a long-term commitment as a carp population left alone will bounce back within a couple of years,” Jane says.
In a carp netting conducted in February, there was also a significant increase in indigenous tilapia in the net (which was released back into the pan).
“This is a wonderful indication that the carp control is working. The indigenous fish were previously outcompeted by carp.
“Now they are breeding successfully and restoring the aquatic balance. There has also been a significant reduction in algae, which the tilapia eat, another boost for our water quality.”
Herons catching bigger tilapia as prey have also been recorded, indicating that they, too, will have sufficient food when the carp are further controlled.
The Conservancy’s commitment serves as an inspiring reminder that collective dedication can bring about real, lasting change, proving that nature, with a little help, can flourish once again! Hats off to you!
Sources: Nothando Mthembu | Jane Trembath
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 