Management and Ecology of Freshwater Plants, 1996 Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium on Aquatic Weeds, European Weed Research Society Developments in Hydrobiology Series, Vol. 120

There is a growing need for appropriate management of aquatic plants in rivers and canals, lakes and reservoirs, and drainage channels and urban waterways. This management must be based on a sound knowledge of the ecology of freshwater plants, their distribution and the different forms of control available including chemical, physical, biological and biomanipulation. This series of papers from over 20 different countries was generated from the highly successful European Weed Research Society symposia on aquatic plant management, this being the ninth. The contributions provide a valuable insight into the complexities involved in managing aquatic systems, discuss state-of-the-art control techniques such as biomanipulation using fish and waterfowl and the use of straw, and deal with patterns of regrowth and recovery post-management. Careful consideration is given to the use of chemicals, a practice which has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Underpinning the development of such control techniques is a growing body of knowledge relating to the biology and ecology of water plants, including growth responses under different trophic conditions, the impact of pollution, and aspects of photosynthesis. The authorship of the papers represents the collective wisdom of leading scientists and experts from fisheries agencies, river authorities, nature conservation agencies, the agrochemical industry and both governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Section I: Ecology. Ecology of Freshwater Plants. Plant-Environment Interactions in Freshwater Systems. Section II: Distribution. Freshwater Plants and Aquatic Weed Problems. Section III: Management. Control of Freshwater and Riparian Vegetation. Strategic and Regional Studies. Chemical and Physical Approaches. Biological and Biomanipulative Approaches. Control of Algae. Section IV: Management (Continued). Utilisation of Freshwater and Riparian Vegetation.

' ... this volume is well worth reading and is recommended for possible purchase by researchers in this field as well as by libraries, as it contains many informative and thought-provoking articles by scientist who are recognised experts in their particular fields.'Global Ecology and Biogeography Letters, 7 (1998)