Rooted native aquatic plants grow in shallow, protected waters. Although they may seem like nothing more than weeds at times, their overall benefit is immense. Native aquatic plants:
- Provide spawning habitat for certain fish species and nursery areas for virtually all fish;
- Create habitat for many small insects and crustaceans, which in turn are important food sources for fish;
- Stabilize lake sediments by absorbing the force of waves and reducing shoreline erosion. Their roots trap sediment particles and hold them in place;
- Absorb nutrients and thus reduce undesirable algae growth
The presence of aquatic plants does not necessarily indicate a pollution problem. However, they may thrive where shoreline tree removal, landscaping alterations from construction and shoreline erosion have occurred.
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