Interactions between plants and animals are basically the same whether the ecosystems are terrestrial or aquatic. Often plants in aquatic ecosystems are not considered important or are ignored because they are out of sight. When not out of sight, plants are often perceived as nuisances because they do not fit the stereotype of a lake with clear water, white sand beaches, lots of fish, and no plants. Native plants in an aquatic ecosystem are as important as native plants in a forest ecosystem. Aquatic plants provide food, cover.
Aquatic plants support the economic value of lake activities.
A healthy, aquatic ecosystem does not end at the water's edge. Everything that happens in the watershed affects its health and, of course, nutrients are a driving force. One way to help reduce nutrient runoff from lawns is to have a buffer zone of native grasses and forbs. The wider the buffer, the greater its value as an interceptor of nutrients and it will attract more bird and butterfly species. A buffer zone can also increase the aesthetic value.