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Localized Weed Control in Management of Game Fish
Author(s) -
Eicher George J.
Publication year - 1949
Publication title -
transactions of the american fisheries society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.696
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1548-8659
pISSN - 0002-8487
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8659(1946)76[177:lwcimo]2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - environmental science , odor , fishing , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery , sink (geography) , biology , geography , cartography , neuroscience
The use of chlorinated hydrocarbons, namely trichlorbenzene, ortho‐dichlorbenzene, and mono‐chlorbenzene is indicated for the control of aquatic vegetation in localized areas. Ortho‐dichlorbenzene is best because it settles fast and does not impart any great amount of odor or taste to the water. These chemicals, which are relatively insoluble in and heavier than water, sink to the bottom and sterilize it for a period of time. Trichlorbenzene is least satisfactory as it disperses far past the limits of the area to which applied. It also imparts a disagreeable odor and taste to the water and fish. It is possible that trichlorbenzene, with an emulsifier added, might prove an effective fish poison. Chlorophyll is destroyed by these chemicals. The ground then becomes completely barren and, since the chemical is absorbed into the roots, it remains free of weeds from a few months to 2 or 3 years. The chemical is applied under water with a high‐pressure spray to spread it at rates of from 20 to 40 gallons per acre, depending on the species of weed to be killed. Great care must be used in hatchery applications. Water should be replaced in the pond before fish are restocked. Discharge or seepage from a pond being treated should not go to other ponds containing fish. Carbon bisulfide, carbon tetrachloride, and trichlorethylene have also been found to be variously effective herbicides when used in the same manner. Removal of small areas of weeds from completely weeded fishing waters permits the resumption of fishing and helps the population balance by creating openings where black bass can feed on small fish emerging from weed banks.