The contribution of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) to the biological control of Netofa reservoirs

The effects of biological control measures using fish in reservoirs drawing water from Kinneret lake, Israel, were examined. Silver carp were introduced to control phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Netofa reservoirs, resulting in a significant reduction in algae, zooplankton and suspended organic matter. Fish yields ranged from 600 to 1500 kg per ha annually. After 6 to 8 years the growth of individual fish was 6-15 kg per fish. The introduction of silver carp resulted in a balanced ecological system with minimal competition between species and significant environmental improvements. There was a practical synergism between silver carp and bottom-feeding fish in the system.