A virus that kills carp should be used to help rid Australian rivers of the destructive feral fish species, a unique coalition of anglers, farmers and conservationists have declared.

Some of the nation's biggest fishing, farming and green groups say governments now have a once in a generation opportunity to use "biological controls" for carp, and they should commit funds to that end.

Carp circle in Sullivans Creek at the Australian National University. The presence of carp is a major cause of the decline in native fish numbers. Credit:Danswell Starrs

Carp, an introduced species, is the bane of many fishermen and their presence is a major cause of the decline in native fish numbers in numerous freshwater ecosystems, in particular the Murray-Darling Basin.

By feeding on river bottoms, carp cloud water, harming native fish's ability to breed and feed and reducing river plant growth. Carp can also feed on young fish and compete with native species for habitat.