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Journal of Aquatic Plant Management The Aquatic Plant Management Society
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Volume |
44, 2006 |
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Issue |
2 |
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Page |
98 |
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Title |
Management of hydrilla in the Santee Cooper reservoirs, South Carolina: Experiences from 1982 to 2004. |
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Author(s) |
James P. Kirk, and J.E. Henderson |
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Keywords |
triploid grass carp, hydrilla control, management strategies |
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Abstract |
The history of hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle) management and its impacts to various user groups in the Santee Cooper reservoirs, South Carolina is summarized and discussed. Hydrilla was first discovered during 1982 and unsuccessfully managed with herbicides through 1988. From 1989 through 1996, a total of 768,500 triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Valenciennes) were stocked. Hydrilla eventually infested a total of 48,000 acres system-wide and coverage peaked at 38,000 acres during 1994. Triploid grass carp largely eliminated hydrilla by 1997, and since then submersed aquatic vegetation has remained sparse. Impacts from hydrilla were both positive and negative for fisheries and waterfowl but only negative for boating and hydropower. Tourism appeared unaffected. Triploid grass carp in the Santee Cooper system provided effective, long-term control. Hydrilla was controlled through 2004 at a cost of less than $10 per acre yearly and low triploid grass carp densities (less than one fish for every seven formerly vegetated acres) continue to maintain control. |