Restoration potential of biomanipulation for eutrophic peri-urban ponds: the role of zooplankton size and submerged macrophyte cover

Published source details Peretyatko A., Teissier S., De B.S. & Triest L. (2009) Restoration potential of biomanipulation for eutrophic peri-urban ponds: the role of zooplankton size and submerged macrophyte cover. Hydrobiologia, 634, 125-135.
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Summary

Action: Control populations of wild vertebrates

A replicated, before-and-after study in 2005–2007 of eight ponds near Brussels, Belgium (Peretyatko et al. 2009) reported that removing all fish typically increased submerged macrophyte cover and reduced phytoplankton abundance. Unless specified, statistical significance was not assessed. Before fish removal, there were no submerged macrophytes in any pond. In the summer after fish removal, five of eight ponds contained submerged macrophytes (coverage: 20–78%). Phytoplankton abundance declined in seven of eight ponds. This was true in term of biovolume (before: 13–82 mm³/L; after: <1–4 mm³/L) and chlorophyll a concentration (before: 41–470 µg/L; after: 7–29 µg/L). The decline in biovolume was statistically significant in five of seven cases. Methods: In early 2007, all fish were removed from eight nutrient-enriched, artificial ponds (0.1–2.3 ha, <1.5 m deep). The ponds were completely drained to facilitate fish removal. Vegetation was surveyed in summer before (2005 or 2006) and after (2007) fish removal. Coverage of submerged macrophytes was mapped from a boat. Water samples were taken to quantify phytoplankton abundance.