Control of Invasive Aquatic Plants

The presence of invasive weed species invariably has a detrimental effect on native plant biodiversity, abundance and depth range in the short term and on native seed bank in the longer term. Removal of invasive weed beds may enable the recovery and restoration of native vegetation. The method or tools available for weed control include habitat manipulation and biological, chemical, mechanical, manual and integrated weed control. The selection of tools utilised for a particular weed issue are primarily dictated by the target weed species, characteristics of the lake or water body and the management goals. Management goals that target a significant reduction in weed biomass or eradication (in the longer term) and tools that result in selective target weed control provide opportunities for restoration of native aquatic plants. Restoration can occur via passive regeneration of native plants from adjacent sites, seed banks and waterfowl-mediated dispersal, or actively through planting, and brings associated benefits of habitat for native fauna, with additional improved amenity and recreation values.