Benefits and the need for aquatic plants

Plants form the base of the food chain in all aquatic systems. As plants form the base of this important food pyramid it can be understood that the wider that base is the larger the biomass of fish that can be supported. This principal is illustrated in the pyramid of numbers below.

In addition to underpinning the productivity of a fishery, plants have a key role to play in the nitrification cycle by reducing potentially harmful (toxic to fish) un-ionised ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds. Keepers of aquarium or pond fish may be aware that plants can provide this natural biological filter in ornamental ponds and aquaria.

In this un-natural environment it is common to supplement nature’s natural way with a purpose built artificial bio-filter with synthetic media. The result is often that the bigger and more efficient your filter, the larger and/or bigger the fish that can be kept in healthy disease free conditions. Your fisheries can mirror these conditions by establishing more plants (larger natural biological filters) you can support larger fish quantities.

The AGA Group often look to the technology used in aquaria for providing bio-filtration and water quality solutions in intensively stocked fisheries where bio-filtration and aeration can help keep the stock healthier than might otherwise be possible.

The A.G.A Group are very experienced at using soft bio-engineering techniques such as coir rolls with aquatic plants established in them, in ponds and lakes where bank erosion is a factor in design or indeed the problem to be mitigated. The knowledge built up over the years on aquatic vegetation and how to manage this environment allows us to make informed decisions as how to best introduce/remove vegetation from your fishery.