Why Is Fanwort A Problem?

Fanwort is a highly competitive plant that is capable of rapid growth and spread. It can displace native species, reduce biodiversity, hamper recreational uses, reduce real estate value, diminish aesthetic values, and decrease water quality.

 

Once established, Fanwort can negatively impact and out-compete native vegetation. Fish and animals that were dependent on the native vegetation must relocate or perish, leading to a decline

in biodiversity.

 

Fanwort can greatly impede boaters, fisherman, water skiers and swimmers, and these limitations on water use can negatively impact real estate values.

 

Fanwort produces dense large mats of vegetation on the water surface, thus intercepting sunlight to the exclusion of other submerged plants.

 

Sediment levels increase with increasing Fanwort abundance.

 

When dense mats of Fanwort decay, the available oxygen in the water may be depleted. The resulting low oxygen conditions (anoxic) can lead to fish kills and harm other aquatic organisms.