Aquatic Plant Control Research Program. Ecological Theory and the Management of Submersed Aquatic Plant Communities,
Abstract
The control of aquatic plant problems historically has been driven by short-term and very localized goals-immediate solutions for critical problems. However, in focusing on providing rapid solutions to specific problems, aquatic plant managers have often ignored longer term and system- wide management objectives. This "crisis management" approach- providing short-term, localized solutions to long-term or recurring problems-is unlikely to result in the most effective, system-wide management of aquatic resources. A holistic approach to aquatic plant management is needed. This article describes the development of innovative aquatic plant management strategies based on well-established principles of ecological succession. Population and community-based concepts borrowed from the body of basic ecological theory can help managers avoid extensive monocultures of problematic species, such as that shown in the photo below. The narrow perspective of most aquatic plant management plans results both from agency funding constraints and from an inadequate understanding of the ecological functioning of large, multipurpose reservoir ecosystems. Fortunately, there is a considerable body of basic ecological theory that appears pertinent to the management of aquatic plants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA296523
Entities
People
- Michael Smart
- Robert P. Doyle