Originally Posted by
deadducks
Last year we were at 20,000 fish system-wide. That is 1 fish for every 8 surface acres. That is considered maintenance mode. We saw increases in both native vegetation and hydrilla. Acreage for submersed vegetation alone is around 10%, with total vegetative coverage in the 17% range.
The hydrilla increase is what is so bothersome. The hydrilla acreage doubled on the main lake system. It actually replaced some of the native eel grass(Vallisneria) in some coves in lower Marion and upper Moultrie. The stocking this year targets 6400 fish just to replenish the existing numbers and keep them at 20,000. An additional 10,000 were to be stocked this year to specifically target the increase in hydrilla, about 400 acres more, or about 25 fish per vegetated acre for the new hydrilla. If left unchecked we will begin the transition to a hydrilla dominated system as the hydrilla will replace the native species such as eel grass and bacopa. The total stocking number for this year is 16,400. The vegetative coverage will be closely monitored for any changes.
The effort to establish additional eel grass is continuing. Santee Cooper and SCDNR staff spent numerous hours on the lakes in an effort to harvest seed for additional plantings in the spring and summer. Techniques are currently being developed to enable us to try and effectively do more as far as the plantings are concerned.
Thanks again for your comments, I will include them with the information to the Aquatic Plant Management Council.
Thanks,
Chris
Got this response
I tried to reach Chris today to find out exactly where this "doubled" hydrilla is.
We don't want 20k fish.
That is an overkill.
Keep it up guys.
Be proactive about improving public waterfowl habitat in South Carolina. It's not going to happen by itself, and our help is needed. We have the potential to winter thousands of waterfowl on public grounds if we fight for it.
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