Aquatic Plants

Suppliers  of  Wild & Cultivated Aquatic Plants

Plants form the base of the food chain in all aquatic systems. As plants form the base of this important food pyramid it can be understood that the wider that base is the larger the biomass of fish that can be supported.  This principal is illustrated in the pyramid of numbers (plate 1.).

	Plate 1.    Pyramid of numbers.

In addition to underpinning the productivity of a fishery, plants have a key role to play in the nitrification cycle by reducing potentially harmful (toxic to fish) un-ionised ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds. Keepers of aquarium or pond fish may be aware that plants can provide this natural biological filter in ornamental ponds and aquaria.  In this un-natural environment it is common to supplement natures natural way with a purpose built artificial bio-filter with synthetic media.  The result is often that the bigger and more efficient your filter, the larger and/or bigger the fish that can be kept in healthy disease free conditions. Your fisheries will directly benefit by establishing more plants (larger natural biological filters).  However the AGA Group often look to the technology used in aquaria for providing bio-filtration and water quality solutions in intensively stocked fisheries where bio-filtration and aeration can help keep the stock healthier than might otherwise be possible.

The AGA Group has its own ‘fish-free’ nursery where it grows aquatic plants solely for the introduction of plants into clients waters.  In addition we also have the option of obtaining surplus plants from existing clients waters to move to other client waters, in situations where fish are present, all plants are disinfected before introduction.

Top-tip - planting lilies in a piece of 'reject' turf with some manure is a first rate way to weight the plant down and to aid its establishment.	Lush marginal growth like this makes an excellent terrestrial /  aquatic interface for emerging invertebrates.  This adds to the conservation and bio-diversity of the fishery in turn adding to the food-web.	Planting out an estate pond for a client, within six months many positive benefits could be identified.

The groups dedicated team of consultants are available to offer advice on techniques to increase the amount of aquatic plant coverage on your fishery.  Planting projects are undertaken, the opportunity to introduce plants that are locally abundant should always be considered as a priority as should increasing and supporting biodiversity by reintroducing less common plants, where it is appropriate.

We are very experienced at using soft bio-engineering techniques such as coir rolls with aquatic plants established in them, in ponds and lakes where bank erosion is a factor in design or indeed the problem to be mitigated.

To order plants or for further assistance telephone 01403 820999