The title of this article is intended to be humorous, and is not an intended jab, at the presenter. You would've had to have attended the meeting, to know that there was humor throughout this presentation. At times, it provided a light hearted look at our board in action. The report can be found on the tapes, under the Grounds Report, provided by chair, McMillin.
He reports that there are some issues with the pond (located on the right side of the road, just prior to entering the Wedgefield gate). McMillin states that there are problems with the fountain, and he will take care of them, himself. (Earlier, on the day of the meeting when I went to take pictures, it was not working, and hadn't been for some time.) He states that we have rapidly growing vegetation in the pond, and he would like to purchase 4 grass eating carp at a cost of $120.00. A motion is made, and discussion begins. McMillin also says that he will have to construct a grate type cover for one of the pipes leading out of the pond, to keep the fish contained. DeMarchi says that he had experts from Clemson out at one point, and they advised 12-15 of the fish. We're advised that the fish are sterile, and won't reproduce. Someone asks if any anyone fishes in that pond. Another says the fish can't be caught. DeMarchi says that he has seen people catch carp with bread balls. (He's right. I've caught them in my own backyard.) Ebert, has been adding light humor to the subject, saying something about if they aren't smart enough to reproduce, they probably can be caught. Approval of the grass eating carp does not mean they will be here immediately, because there are certain times, in the year cycle, that are better than others to add them.
The discussion was light, and it was good to see your board's light hearted handling of the problem.
A larger problem exists with the pond project, and several others. While, as noted above, the board worked well at this stage, and this meeting, the pond has been a territorial dispute between DeMarchi and McMillin, and battle of self proclaimed experts, for too long. Briefly, both at times, have brought proposals forward - that went no where for long periods of time, for the bulk head, weed control, etc. DeMarchi, with board approval hired a company at a monthly rate to control the weeds. Later, he canceled the service. McMillin, brought volunteers in and cleared weeds, debris, and added the fountain. It should be noted that at last months meeting, McMillin requested $134.00 to purchase a product to kill the weeds. In fact, he had to order more than he felt he needed, but hoped to sell part of it to the condo association, for their ponds. What happened to that? No one asked. DeMarchi, controlled the bulk head project, but needed money from the Grounds' budget for grass, etc. McMillin said that was ok, at least he was being asked this time, rather than the money just being appropriated. Now, we have a pond with weeds, a fountain in the weed pond, with a spot light to highlight it, and a bulkhead.
Below, I've provided a information sheet on the grass eating carp. Will this fix it.? Maybe, but it could take quite some time, and we have quite the mess.
Using Triploid Grass Carp for
The triploid "grass carp" which is a sterile version of the white amur, has been used in South Carolina's private and public waters for the control of noxious aquatic plant species since 1984. Triploid grass carp are incapable of reproducing viable offspring.
Grass carp are selective feeders, preferring soft tissue aquatic plant species. Where more than one noxious plant species is present, the carp will feed almost exclusively on the more preferred plant species before targeting the other available aquatic plant species.
The following is a list of aquatic plant species commonly found in South Carolina's waters that grass carp will feed on:
Ponds which are seriously impacted by noxious aquatic plant species (high plant biomass), should be managed to reduce the plant biomass either through the application of selected aquatic herbicides or by other methods (drawdown, mechanical removal, ete.) Prior to stocking grass carp.
Pond systems which utilize emergency spillways or large surface overflow systems, should use a barrier to prevent escapement. The most successful fish barrier designs incorporate horizontal steel bars, which have a 1.0 inch space between bars.
Care should be taken to keep the barrier clear of debris during high water periods. Failure to provide maintenance on the barrier at this time could result in complete failure of the barrier or could seriously damage the pond's dam.
Grass carp will consume floating pelleted fish feeds and prefer these feeds over aquatic plants. In ponds where supplemental feedings of bream or channel catfish is desired, you may want to consider other aquatic weed control options.
If you have further questions or need additional assistance on the "use of grass carp", please call 803-734-3891.
A list of SCDNR approved triploid grass carp vendors can be obtained by writing to:
Hatchery Coordinator
SCDNR
Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Post Office Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
The information above regarding Using Triploid Grass Carp for Aquatic Plant Control in SC Small Impoundments is provided in an Adobe PDF file. Adobe® Reader® is required to open the above files and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.
The discussion was light, and it was good to see your board's light hearted handling of the problem.
A larger problem exists with the pond project, and several others. While, as noted above, the board worked well at this stage, and this meeting, the pond has been a territorial dispute between DeMarchi and McMillin, and battle of self proclaimed experts, for too long. Briefly, both at times, have brought proposals forward - that went no where for long periods of time, for the bulk head, weed control, etc. DeMarchi, with board approval hired a company at a monthly rate to control the weeds. Later, he canceled the service. McMillin, brought volunteers in and cleared weeds, debris, and added the fountain. It should be noted that at last months meeting, McMillin requested $134.00 to purchase a product to kill the weeds. In fact, he had to order more than he felt he needed, but hoped to sell part of it to the condo association, for their ponds. What happened to that? No one asked. DeMarchi, controlled the bulk head project, but needed money from the Grounds' budget for grass, etc. McMillin said that was ok, at least he was being asked this time, rather than the money just being appropriated. Now, we have a pond with weeds, a fountain in the weed pond, with a spot light to highlight it, and a bulkhead.
Below, I've provided a information sheet on the grass eating carp. Will this fix it.? Maybe, but it could take quite some time, and we have quite the mess.
Using Triploid Grass Carp for
Aquatic Plant Control in SC Small Impoundments
The triploid "grass carp" which is a sterile version of the white amur, has been used in South Carolina's private and public waters for the control of noxious aquatic plant species since 1984. Triploid grass carp are incapable of reproducing viable offspring.Grass carp are selective feeders, preferring soft tissue aquatic plant species. Where more than one noxious plant species is present, the carp will feed almost exclusively on the more preferred plant species before targeting the other available aquatic plant species.
The following is a list of aquatic plant species commonly found in South Carolina's waters that grass carp will feed on:
Preferred Plants
- Naja sp.
- Bladderwort sp.
- Coontail
- Hydrilla
- Salvinia
- Potomegton sp.
- Slender spikerush
- Elodea
- Duckweed
Non-Preferred Plants
- Water milfoil
- Cabomba
- Water lilies
- Cat-tails
- Water shield
- Water meal
- Pithophora algae
- Alligatorweed
- Water primrose
- Lyngbya algae
- Water hycanith
- Water lotus
- Pennywort
- Parrot's feather
Ponds which are seriously impacted by noxious aquatic plant species (high plant biomass), should be managed to reduce the plant biomass either through the application of selected aquatic herbicides or by other methods (drawdown, mechanical removal, ete.) Prior to stocking grass carp.
Stocking Rates
Recent research on grass carp stocking rates indicates to achieve control a stocking rate of 4-6 fish per ton of aquatic plant biomass must be used. Pond owners should consult with a SCDNR fisheries biologist or other qualified individuals to assess a stocking rate recommendation. Generally, in South Carolina a stocking rate between 10-40 fish per surface acre will be recommended, depending on the plant species and the biomass of plants present in the pond.Size of Fish to Stock
In a new pond or a pond devoid of fish predators, a grass carp 6-12 inches in length can be used. In ponds having potential grass carp predators, a grass carp 12 inches or larger should be used.Grass Carp Predators
The following is a list of potential grass carp predators that can seriously reduce or eliminate all grass carp:- Man
- largemouth bass, bowfin, etc.
- osprey, herons, etc.
- otters
- alligators
Escapement
Grass carp can and will leave a pond via the emergency spillway or large concrete surface overflow systems during peak rain "events". Any overflow deeper than 3.0 inches will encourage the loss of grass carp.Pond systems which utilize emergency spillways or large surface overflow systems, should use a barrier to prevent escapement. The most successful fish barrier designs incorporate horizontal steel bars, which have a 1.0 inch space between bars.
Care should be taken to keep the barrier clear of debris during high water periods. Failure to provide maintenance on the barrier at this time could result in complete failure of the barrier or could seriously damage the pond's dam.
Time to Stock
Grass carp should be stocked in the spring for best results. Early plant growth for South Carolina's aquatic plants begins in late March - April. Fish should be stocked at this time to allow them to aggressively feed on tender, young plant growth. Since the fish's metabolism is increasing with rising water temperatures, they grow at an accelerated rate and quickly reach a size that eliminates many potential grass carp predator problems.Source of Fish
Triploid grass carp can only be sold in South Carolina by SCDNR approved grass carp vendors. A department permit is issued by the vendor to each individual who obtains these fish verifying the fish as being "triploids".Length of Weed Control
Depending on the aquatic weed species, plant biomass, number of fish stocked, and grass carp survival, effective weed control success can vary from 1-10 years in most South Carolina ponds. Effective weed control should be evident 6-12 months after the initial stocking of the carp.Grass carp and Bass / Bluegill
Grass carp are mainly herbivores but will consume insects, invertebrates, and other gamefish food organisms. There is no documentation that indicates that grass carp are serious predators on other fish species. Grass carp do compete with typical bass/bluegill populations for food, therefore, some competition between species does exist.Grass carp will consume floating pelleted fish feeds and prefer these feeds over aquatic plants. In ponds where supplemental feedings of bream or channel catfish is desired, you may want to consider other aquatic weed control options.
If you have further questions or need additional assistance on the "use of grass carp", please call 803-734-3891.
A list of SCDNR approved triploid grass carp vendors can be obtained by writing to:
Hatchery Coordinator
SCDNR
Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Post Office Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
The information above regarding Using Triploid Grass Carp for Aquatic Plant Control in SC Small Impoundments is provided in an Adobe PDF file. Adobe® Reader® is required to open the above files and is available as a free download from the Adobe® Web site.
