Beneficial Effects of Hydrilla on Two Eutrophic Lakes in Central Florida

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) encroachment in Lake Parker and Lake Hunter was directly proportional to production of invertebrates, forage fish species and juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Survival of young of the year largemouth bass was positively correlated with the presence of hydrilla. Improvements in the sportfish standing crop on both lakes indicated a reversal from hypereutrophic to a mesotrophicl eutrophic fishery. Water quality data revealed a possible trend of stabilization andlor improvement of nutrient levels with hydrilla encroachment.