Economic weed control with grass carp

Abstract

Conventional methods of aquatic weed control meet increasing objections on economic and/or environmental grounds. An alternative approach is the use of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.), a herbivorous fish. This biological method has mainly been used in Europe and the USA, but since 1976 an Egyptian‐Dutch project has studied the potential of this approach for the Egyptian irrigation systems. All aspects of the production and use of grass carp have been studied and evaluated, Egyptian personnel have been trained, a large‐scale breeding station has been established and practical use of the technique has begun. The programme has shown that a stocked grass carp population not only provides effective weed control, but it also increases the protein production in Egyptian waterways substantially. If managed well, this production can provide continuous revenues that far outweigh the costs of weed control. The necessary management techniques developed are mainly based on yearly restocking with grass carp and cooperation between irrigation authorities and professional fishermen. The experience described in this paper will be of interest to many other countries.