How do I control “seaweed,” or submerged aquatic vegetation?
A more accurate identification of the plant in question is necessary before control is achieved. You may find the following booklet to be helpful in identifying your problem plant: Pond Management and Aquatic Plant Control, available through the Penn State Publications Distribution Center for $4 (814-865-6713). More publications available at the PSU Pesticide Publications page. Manual harvesting of submerged plants can occur. Removing plant fragments is important to prevent plant reproduction through fragmentation, which could make plant beds even more extensive. Harvesting also takes some nutrients out of the pond, much like bagging grass clippings from a lawn. Triploid grass carp, a sterile herbivorous fish, prefer submerged aquatic vegetation. They can live for more than 10 years and provide a variable level of control, depending on the type and density of plants. A Triploid Grass Carp Permit must be obtained from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission before triploid grass carp
