Biomanipulation

Biomanipulation is a biological engineering in which manipulation of certain herbivorous organisms lead to the reduction of certain algal groups that are not wanted

It can also be said to be a biological process of elimination or reduction of the effect of eutrophication of a water body.

Biomanipulation is achieved when planktivorous fishes are reduced,which in turn leads to the increase in the density or number of Cladoceran zooplankton. And the grazing of these large Cladocerans on algal species in the water bodies in turn reduces their abundance. The reduction in the algal population, thus reduce the turbidity of the water caused by algal bloom.

To achieve biomanipulation, planktivorous fishes have to be reduced by several methods, among which are, the introduction of carnivorous fishes into the water body or by intensively harvesting planktivorous fishes found in the eutrophic water.

Importance of Biomanipulation

Biomanipulation is known to have several advantages where it is properly practiced.

·        It can reduce eutrophication in water bodies

·        It reduces turbidity caused by algal bloom

·        It removes species of algae that are known to produce toxic substances            (cyanotoxins)

·        It helps in reducing the eutrophication on other aquatic animals

·        It is an important alternative in the use of algicidal chemicals

Effective Biomanipulation

For biomanipulation to be effective, it has to be combined with other several methods.

Basically, reduction of nutrients getting into the affected water body has to be put in place; proper agricultural practices should also be put in place too. In addition to that, biomanipulation must be done consistently year in, year out before its benefits can be properly harnessed.