|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
 Aquatic
plants are important and necessary components of a healthylakeecosystem.
Microscopic plants (algae) form the base of the aquatic food
web. Larger algae and plants (macrophytes) provide spawning
areas, food, and protective cover for fish; habitat for insects
and snails; and food and nesting material for waterfowl. Rooted
plants also help stabilize the lake bottom. Emergent and nearshore
submersed plants help protect against shoreline erosion by
calming waves and stabilizing shoreline soils. All aquatic
plants produce oxygen and organic matter that help keep other
lake organisms alive. But even with all these benefits, too
many plants in a lake can have detrimental effects on the
lake's inhabitants, ecology, and human uses.
|
Problems viewing Acrobat PDF files?