Regional efforts combat Salvinia

Submitted by Casscounty1 on
By Robin Aaron
Multiple meetings held this weekend were organized to discuss how Giant Salvinia is adversely affecting Caddo Lake’s environment, recreation and tourism. Experts say that the infestation of the aquatic plant has reached up to 5,000 acres. 
The oversaturation of this plant has the potential of killing off much of the wildlife that lives underneath the water. Many in the area who are acquainted with local tourism and fishing say the Bass are simply not biting like they use too. 
The presence of the plant cuts off gas exchange and kills the other fish and algae that are the food base for the local ecological system. 
Lee Eisenburg, director of a biocontrol project with Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Karnack said that the situation is becoming grave. Within two years, he believes that tourism could be virtually nonexistent if nothing is done to combat the Salvinia infestation.  
 
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