Need assistance managing fish, wildlife, aquatic vegetation, or water quality on your ranch, property, or pond? Simply call your local County Extension Agent.
Successful pond management involves more than responding when a problem appears. Aquatic vegetation, water chemistry, and fish populations all interact to influence pond dynamics. Properly identifying the source of a problem is the first step toward selecting an effective and appropriate management strategy.
Use the following AquaExtension fact sheets and publications to learn more about aquatic vegetation management, water chemistry, and general pond management. Check back frequently as new resources are added.
General Pond Management
Good pond management requires planning throughout the year. These publications provide guidance on evaluating pond conditions, preventing common problems, and completing management activities when they are most effective.
Aquatic Vegetation Identification and Management
Aquatic vegetation can provide important habitat and food for fish and wildlife, but excessive or invasive plant growth may interfere with recreation, water access, and pond management goals. Because control options vary among species, aquatic plants should always be properly identified before a management plan is developed.
- Triploid Grass Carp for Biological Control of Aquatic Vegetation in Texas
- Mozambique Tilapia for Biological Control of Aquatic Vegetation in Texas
- Aquatic Herbicide Tables
- Creating a Buffer for Texas Ponds
- Management of Cyanobacteria and Other Harmful Algal Blooms in Ponds
- Managing and Controlling Algae in Ponds
- Identification and Control of Duckweed & Watermeal
- Aquatic Vegetation Prevention
- Identification and Management of Water Lily-Like Species
- Non-native, Invasive, Emergent Plants in Texas
Pond Water Chemistry and Water Quality
Water chemistry affects fish health, aquatic plant growth, nutrient availability, herbicide performance, and the overall productivity of a pond. These resources explain common water-quality concerns and help pond owners better understand laboratory results and potential management options.
- Liming Your Pond to Improve the Fishery
- Clearing Muddy Ponds
- Understanding Your Pond Water Chemistry Report
Resources for Professionals
The following resources are designed for Extension personnel, natural resource professionals, pond managers, and others who conduct aquatic site visits or provide educational programming.
- Aquatic Site Visit Checklist for Professionals
- Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species with Effective Awareness Campaigns
Additional Learning
For more information, upcoming programs, and other educational opportunities, visit the AquaExtension online courses page .
