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Iowa fisheries biologist discusses the importance of aquatic plants

A northern pike swims through the vegetation at the bottom of a lake. Native plants are a key part of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR)

Anglers have a love-hate relationship with submerged vegetation. They know that the vegetation is a huge key for better fishing. It creates a safe haven for young fish, allowing them to escape from bigger predators, while it also provides a haven for the predator fish as well. That is to the point that the vegetation gets so thick that anglers can’t cast through the weeds. 
Boaters and lake homeowners have their problems with vegetation too when it reaches a certain point. But Iowa DNR fisheries biologist Mike Hawkins details why aquatic plants are so important to a body of water’s ecosystem.

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