Because bottom screens reduce habitat by covering the sediment, they are suitable only for localized control. For safety and performance reasons, bottom screens must be regularly inspected and maintained. Harvesters, rotovators, fishing gear, propeller backwash, or boat anchors may damage or dislodge bottom screens. Improperly anchored bottom screens may create safety hazards for boaters and swimmers. Swimmers may be injured by poorly maintained anchors used to pin bottom screens to the sediment.
Some bottom screens are difficult to anchor on deep muck sediments.
Bottom screens interfere with fish spawning and bottom-dwelling animals. Without regular maintenance aquatic plants may quickly colonize the bottom screen. Permits Bottom screening in Washington requires hydraulic approval, obtained free from the Department of Fish and Wildlife . Check with your local jurisdiction to determine whether a shoreline permit is required. The cost of some commercial barriers includes an installation fee.