From the control of invasive aquatic plants to hydrosystem management

Abstract

Since several years, a part of the applied research of the Water Quality Research Unit concerns aquatic macrophyte populations of different types of water bodies (rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands). These organ-isms have the particularity to be primary producers and habitats for other aquatic organisms. It plays multiple roles in the functioning of the ecosystems and constitues frequent management stakes. Always considered in interface with aquatic ecosystem management, this applied research developed itself from leaning on the demands from many managers confronted to variable problems linked to the macrophyte populations of the water bodies that they have to manage (proliferations, regression or disappearance). Methodological clarifications have been performed about geographical distribution, quantification of the populations, interrelations between the plants and abiotic parameters and plant dynamics. Many other exchanges of questions and information with managers, users of the water bodies, specialized societies working on plant management, etc., permitted to propose modes of management of native aquatic plants or some invasive taxa. These propositions of management have been followed in several cases by concrete implementations, what permitted to institute regular relations with the managers. This dialogue, first constructed on aqua-tic plant management, enlarged in most cases to more general aspects as evolutions of the ecosystems under strong anthropic pressures, plants with patrimonial interest, conservation of the biodiversity of the biotopes and habitats, etc., permitting to establish constructive relations with these partners.