Are there any benefits to hydrilla and hygrophila?
Yes. Hydrilla is eaten by waterfowl, and maintaining hydrilla populations is sometimes advocated by waterfowl scientists because it increases the feeding habitat for ducks. In addition, large amounts hydrilla, hygrophila or other aquatic plants (excluding algae) can result in increased water clarity, which is often considered desirable. In some artificial waterbodies (such as storm treatment areas) where there are little to no native plants, hydrilla can provide habitat that may be beneficial to fish populations in the absence of other plants. Overall, detrimental impacts caused by hydrilla and hygrophila far outweigh beneficial impacts and they are usually more difficult to manage than native plant populations, which they displace. (adapted from Dr.
