Author
 |
KROGER, ROBERT - Mississippi State University |
|
Tucker, Craig |
|
Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 3/5/2012 Publication Date: 7/5/2012 Citation: Kroger, R., Tucker, C.S. 2012. Biological productivity in small impoundments. In: Small Impoundment Management in North America, American Fisheries Society. p. 83-112. Interpretive Summary: This chapter highlights the mechanisms and management actions toward biological productivity in small impoundments. This chapter though geared toward small impoundment management is explicitly tied to aquaculture ponds and their maintenance and management. Technical Abstract: Most ponds and small impoundments are built or used with a principal use in mind. That use may be recreational fishing, commercial aquaculture, waterfowl hunting, potable water storage, irrigation water supply, livestock watering, stormwater retention, landscaping, swimming, or others. In practice, however, nearly all ponds have multiple uses and the common feature is the importance of the biological community to the functionality and enjoyment of ponds. The type of biological community desired in ponds varies tremendously depending on intended uses, climate, local geography, and other factors. Often, the most important considerations are the personal expectations and needs of the pond’s owners or users. Even if the desired community type can be defined (for example, a largemouth bass and bluegill fish community for recreational fishing), creating and maintaining that ecosystem can be difficult because of complex interactions between the pond and its external environment, and between the many interdependent physical, chemical and biological processes within the pond. This chapter highlights the mechanisms for biological productivity within small impoundments. |
