Hydrilla in New Jersey
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Aquatic plants are an ongoing and increasing concern for operations and maintenance of the our water supply system, including dense beds of native plants. These thick weed mats reduce water flow, impair water quality, block sunlight, reduce dissolved oxygen, inhibit recreational activities, and impact habitat for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife within our water supply system.
Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) describes aquatic plants that are always under water and can be rooted or free-floating. Some of the SAV species found in the Canal & Manasquan Reservoir include native plants such as coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), wild celery (Vallisneria americana), common waterweed (Elodea canadensis), water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia), and invasive plants such as hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), brittle naiad (Najas minor), curly pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) and Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum). Of greatest concern is the discovery of the aggressive emerging invasive, hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata). Hydrilla is named after Hydra, the 9-headed serpent of Greek mythology, because it can grow an entirely new plant from a tiny stem fragment. Many questions can be answered at our online FAQ Page, please try there first. If you still have questions, please contact us at hydrilla@njwsa.org. |