In most ponds after 2 years post stocking (sometimes less) carrying capacity is reached. From then on it is about managing the food system through various management options. The biggest issue in a very large portion of waters (all ponds , lakes , rivers etc.) is the lack of enough food. Most of these are unmanaged or have low management efforts.

One way to increase food (forage) is to have the prey live a little longer (cover of the right type is a method of doing that) . Xmas trees near spawning areas is a proven method of increasing survival of yoy forage species. As they live a little longer they get bigger quickly and provide more food for predators.