How can the management of nonnative plants be crucial for maintaining an aquatic ecosystem's health?

The management of nonnative plants is crucial for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems primarily because these plants compete with native species for essential resources such as light, nutrients, and space. Nonnative species, often introduced through human activities, can proliferate rapidly due to the absence of natural predators or controls in the new environment. This unchecked growth can lead to significant reductions in the populations of native plants, which are adapted to the local conditions and play important roles in the ecosystem.

By outcompeting native flora, nonnative plants can alter the habitat, disrupt food webs, and degrade water quality. This competition can diminish biodiversity, as native species may struggle to survive and reproduce in the face of aggressive nonnative invasions. Thus, effective management strategies aimed at controlling nonnative species are vital for preserving the integrity and resilience of aquatic ecosystems, promoting the survival of indigenous plants, and ensuring the overall health of the ecosystem.