Wondering about the base of the food chain. What is it safe to assume about the zooplankton and other small organisms that may or may not inhabit a new pond or an old pond? Should someone filling a new pond be concerned that the pond have an adequate variety and number of little critters to support his or her fish? Similarly, might it be worthwhile to sample an existing pond to see what's present? If it might be, would that be something better left to a specialist? Perhaps certain important organisms that can be seen and identified by the layman could be sampled for, and if they aren't found, could be added. Examples of things that might be added are those that are attributed to causing pink flesh in trout. Some beneficial things are readily available and relatively cheap. They could be added just as a matter of course. If they're already present, great, and if they aren't, the BOW would most likely benefit.
