"Use herbacide if you must, but please as an absolute last resort."
JW: Granted, there are several options - besides herbicides - for managing unwanted aquatic plants (aka "weeds"). However, I believe that herbicides should rarely be considered a "last resort" option.
A herbicide's predictable impact on a large, out-of-control plant population may sometimes cause more net-damage than benefit, as could virtually any remedial action that produces a rapid and drastic alteration in an aquatic ecosystem.
Aquatic herbicides are a safe and viable plant management tool (option) in the hands of experienced, knowledgeable applicators - or under the guidance of same. However, even I question their appropriateness in some "last resort" situations.
