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second edition • Nebraska Pond Management • 65 sprayed leaf tissue into/killing other parts of the plant (underground rhizomes, tubers, etc.). One herbicide (systemic — fluridone) can't be used for spot treatment where water movement could transport it from a treated area before it has an effect. Most aquatic herbicides will not harm fish if properly applied. Some chemicals can directly or indirectly kill spawning adult fish that refuse to leave treated areas, and they may kill fish eggs or fry. Some herbicides, such as copper sulfate used for algae control, should not be used extensively in fishing ponds. Because it is cheaper and perhaps easier to apply than chelated copper-based chemicals, there is a tendency to over-apply copper sulfate. This can negatively affect fish and their food organisms as it disperses through the water column. Chelated copper-based chemicals are less harmful to fish, less corrosive, and are more effective in hard water. They also persist longer in the water. This longer uptake period provides better control of algae and means less chemical is needed, as compared to copper sulfate. Most chemical applications involve calculating a dosage per acre-foot of water that has a vegetation problem. Examples of surface and volume calculations are provided in Appendix C. If you are uncertain about plant identification or herbicide usage/sources, contact an area Commission fisheries biologist or the extension educator in your county. Biological Control The grass carp, also known as white amur, is a plant-eating fish native to Asia that has been introduced in the U.S. for aquatic vegetation control. Grass carp should never be stocked in a new pond, nor should they be stocked if there is only a narrow band of vegetation around the pond edge because they will eliminate critical habitat for bluegill and largemouth bass. They feed almost exclusively on aquatic vegetation, eating two to three times their weight each day during the summer months. Grass carp are grazers and prefer certain types of vegetation, eliminating them before they consume Since grass carp are long lived, they should not be used; instead, spot treat with chemicals. Record-size Grass Carp Location Caught: Wilson Creek 2X WMA Weight of Fish: 64 pounds Age of Fish: 26 years