This BMP manual is a guide for the selection, implementation and management of practices that will help growers conserve soil and protect water and air resources. (PDF format only)

This report is a survey of Louisiana wild commercial crawfish license holders conducted in 2010 to determine their preferences and perspectivesof actual and hypothetical regulations and management practices of the wild commercial crawfish fishery in Louisiana.

Aquatic herbicides are chemicals used to kill aquatic plants or severely interrupt their growth. About 200 herbicides are registered by the EPA for use in the United States, but only six are labeled for use in aquaculture sites. It is important that aquaculturists use these registered herbicides in a safe and effective manner.

Herbicides are just one method of managing aquatic weeds. There are also: 1) preventive methods such as proper pond site selection and construction, fertilization andperiodic draw-downs; 2) biological methods such as grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella); and 3) mechanical methods such as cutting, seining and raking. Using a combination of methods is the most effective method of managing aquatic weeds.

Grass carp can effectively control aquatic vegetation, particularly submerged vegetation. The key to using grass carp is to stock the proper number based on their vegetation preferences, the water temperature, and the biomass and pond coverage of the plants.

Springtime diseases and oxygen losses in fish ponds are common throughout the Southeast.

When considering what fish to stock, determine your objectives in terms of food production, recreation, aesthetics or trophy angling and how much time you have to devote to pond management. Although many types of fish could be stocked into recreational ponds, few have the characteristics needed to provide quality fishing year after year.

Habitat is extremely important in supporting a successful fishery in your pond. This article provides information on depth considerations, habitat complexity and creating spawning areas for your fish.

This document gives tips and information on renovating ponds to remove undesirable fish species.

This document discusses the importance of water quality to a recreational pond and water quality characteristics.