Frequently Asked Questions

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) refers to plants that grow entirely underwater in rivers, lakes, bays, and other bodies of water in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. These plants are rooted in the sediment at the bottom and play a vital role in the ecosystem. Unlike macroalgae, SAV has roots, stems, and leaves. They also differ from wetland plants, such as cattails and marsh grasses, because they grow fully submerged. Despite living underwater, SAV is just as important to the environment as the trees and grass we see on land!

​Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) is crucial for both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems because it protects shorelines, supports the economy, and keeps water clean and safe. SAV helps with coastal resilience by reducing the energy of waves and storms and stabilizing the sediment, which prevents erosion. It also boosts the economy by supporting industries like fishing, tourism, and recreation, as it provides habitat for fish, crabs, and other aquatic life that people rely on. SAV plays a key role in water quality by filtering out pollutants, absorbing excess nutrients, and improving clarity, which makes the water healthier for swimming, fishing, and even drinking. Whether in a stream, river, pond, or coastal bay, SAV is essential for thriving ecosystems and strong communities.

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) faces many threats that can harm its growth and survival. Pollution is one of the biggest problems, as runoff can bring excess nutrients into the water, causing algae blooms that block sunlight SAV needs to grow. Poor water clarity from sediment runoff also reduces sunlight. Another threat is rising water temperatures and stronger storms which make it harder for plants to survive or scour out the plant's habitat. Human activities like stream or ditch maintenance or reconstruction, boating, anchoring, and shoreline development can uproot SAV or disturb their habitat. Invasive species, which can outcompete native SAV, are also a growing concern.

Yes, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) can affect recreational activities like boating and fishing, but mostly in positive ways! SAV creates important habitats for fish, crabs, and other aquatic life, which helps make fishing more enjoyable and successful. However, thick SAV beds can sometimes tangle fishing lines or make it harder to navigate boats in shallow areas. On the other hand, SAV helps improve water clarity and quality, making activities like swimming and kayaking more enjoyable. While there might be small challenges in certain areas, the overall benefits of SAV to aquatic ecosystems and recreation far outweigh the downsides. In areas where SAV cause entanglement concerns, aquatic weed harvesters or mowers can be timed to remove excess material without causing significant damage to SAV beds.

Good question, and one the Delaware Statewide Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (DESSAV) Workgroup is working to understand. Delaware has a variety of freshwater species in our streams, ponds and rivers. However, we are just beginning to understand where these plants are growing and the extent of what species we have today.  On the saltwater front in Delaware, the Delaware Bay and Delaware Inland Bays have only a handful of known SAV beds.  DESSAV is currently working on a community science SAV monitoring program, and restoration efforts to assist in gaining a better understanding of what's out there, and how to grow these fantastic habitats.

Yes! A couple of known invasive species include hydrilla and parrot feather. Invasive submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) can cause several problems for both the environment and human activities. These non-native plants can grow quickly and spread over large areas, which can block water flow and cause drainage issues. In some places, they can make it harder for boats to navigate, creating navigational hazards. Additionally, invasive SAV can outcompete native plants, which can lead to habitat degradation. This means that fish and other aquatic animals might lose their natural homes, affecting the balance of the ecosystem. Overall, invasive SAV can disrupt water systems, harm native species, and make recreational activities more difficult. The state of Delaware has a couple of efforts that aim to reduce invasive SAV in our freshwater areas, and a list of invasive plant and animal species is available through the Delaware Invasive Species Council.

Individuals and communities can help conserve submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) by taking actions to protect water quality and reduce pollution. One important way is to limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which can run off into water bodies and cause harmful algae blooms. People can also help by properly disposing of trash and reducing plastic waste, which can harm aquatic plants and animals. Supporting local efforts to restore or protect coastal habitats, like planting native plants along shorelines or participating in clean-up events or volunteering with local monitoring programs, can also make a big difference. Finally, spreading awareness about the importance of SAV and encouraging responsible boating and fishing practices can help protect these valuable underwater plants. By working together, we can all play a part in preserving SAV for future generations.