This takes not only the proper type and amount of habitat - but also dictates the location of that habitat. Recreational boaters do not like aquatic plants that interfere with their boating and skiing activities. Again this places importance on the location of the habitat - at least from the boaters' point of view. Equally important, especially over the long term, is the protection of the biological components of the aquatic ecosystem. Proper management of the plants, the fish and other organisms that make up the aquatic ecosystem increase the value of the water body to all users.
Fisheries depend on plants for several things.
The most widely recognized need is that the plants provide cover for small fish from predators. At the same time, the aquatic habitat supports an array of organisms that all of the fish utilize as a food source. Plants provide oxygen that the fish and other organisms need to survive. Plants also provide a filtering capability that contributes to the clarity of the water. Cerexagri further believes that it is environmentally irresponsible to routinely conduct whole-lake herbicide treatment, regardless of how serious the aquatic plant problem.