A Review of Grass Carp Use for Aquatic Weed Control and its Impact on Water Bodies

The state of knowledge of grass carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.) effects on water bodies are summarized based on a review of selected literature and my own experience from South Bohemian ponds. The subjects considered include aquatic plant control using grass carp, fish age and stocking densities, and direct and indirect consequences of its introduction to water bodies including impacts on water and sediment chemistry, phytoplankton, zooplankton, zoobenthos, fish, amphibian and water birds communities. Lastly, longevity of plant control by the grass carp is addressed. An attempt has also been made to identify weaknesses in the available information.