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second edition • Nebraska Pond Management • 39 comprised of many small fish, or a few large ones, but the total weight will be the same and equal what the pond can support. The wildlife productivity of a pond and the immediate surrounding land can be increased by making beneficial environmental modifications, or supplementing what is already present, depending on management goals. These changes can involve manipulating aquatic and terrestrial habitats that will then benefit associated wildlife, whether it is a rabbit, a small catfish, or even a dragonfly. Aquatic Habitat Trees and brush removed during construction can be returned to the pond basin before the pond fills. After a new pond fills, the flooded trees, brush, grasses, and weeds become underwater structures and create an excellent, nutrient-rich environment for aquatic life. Underwater structures provide shade and cover for fish, substrate on which aquatic organisms, such as aquatic insects, can grow and feed, and concentrate fish. Small fish will come to the cover to eat the insects found there, and bigger fish will come to eat the small fish. However, as the pond ages, inundated vegetation eventually decays and disappears, reducing the amount of fish a pond can support. Some of the natural effects of aging and subsequent habitat loss can be counteracted by encouraging development of natural habitat and/or the addition of cheap, but sometimes labor-intensive, artificial habitat. Natural Habitat Aquatic vegetation is also considered structure and will eventually become established in most ponds. A good fishing pond usually will be about 40% covered with emergent and submergent aquatic vegetation. Aquatic vegetation is often considered a nuisance and removed by pond owners. It is, however, a natural and necessary component of a healthy pond. Aquatic plants provide cover, food, and AQUATIC HABITAT AQUATIC HABITAT