BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL OF AQUATIC VEGETATION USING GRASS CARP - SIMULATION OF ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • We describe the development and use of a simulation model to evaluate alternative aquatic vegetation management strategies that involve both stocking and harvesting of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) under a variety of environmental conditions characteristic of the southern United States. The model consists of three submodels representing (1) biomass dynamics of the vegetation, (2) grass carp bioenergetics and growth, and (3) management operations. The model accurately simulated biomass dynamics of aquatic vegetation under various intensities of grass carp grazing in Texas ponds, and also simulated grass carp growth rates comparable to those reported in the literature. Simulation of alternative management strategies suggested that a major disadvantage of using grass carp as a biological control agent, i.e. the complete elimination of aquatic vegetation and concurrent destruction of habitat for sport fishes, can be avoided through sequential harvesting and restocking. 1991.

published proceedings

  • ECOLOGICAL MODELLING

author list (cited authors)

  • SANTHA, C. R., GRANT, W. E., NEILL, W. H., & STRAWN, R. K.

citation count

  • 13

complete list of authors

  • SANTHA, CR||GRANT, WE||NEILL, WH||STRAWN, RK

publication date

  • December 1991