Divers document efforts to control invasive aquatic plants |
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Underwater footage in Weerribben-Wieden shows why mowing alone is not enough
How effective is the removal of invasive aquatic plants? In Weerribben-Wieden National Park, divers are using underwater cameras to document the results. They are filming conditions before and after the removal work. The first recordings show how quickly these plants can spread and why it is important to remove them, including their roots.
| Illustrative image generated with AI |
The first recordings have revealed some striking findings. Large areas of aquatic vegetation can sometimes develop from just a single stem. At one location where the plants were completely removed, including their roots, the waterbed is now almost bare. Further recordings will show how the situation develops over time.
Mowing alone is not effective
The underwater footage shows why controlling invasive aquatic plants is difficult. When plants are simply cut above the waterbed, they can regrow from roots and stems left behind. Even small plant fragments that drift away can take root elsewhere and establish new populations.
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Even small plant fragments can grow into new plants elsewhere
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Raking boat removes plants and roots
Harkboot.nl is also involved in controlling invasive aquatic plants in Weerribben-Wieden. The company uses a specialised raking boat that pulls aquatic plants out of the waterbed, including their roots. The uprooted plants are then collected and removed. This method is used, among other things, to control variable watermilfoil. The aim is to prevent roots left behind from producing new growth.
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A raking boat pulls aquatic plants out of the waterbed, including their roots
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Waterways become overgrown
In Weerribben-Wieden National Park, invasive species such as variable watermilfoil and fanwort, also known as *cabomba*, are causing problems. These species are not native to the area but can spread rapidly. They displace native aquatic plants and affect habitats for aquatic animals. Overgrown waterways can also cause problems for recreational boating. Boats may become stuck when plants become entangled in their propellers.
Working together to control invasive plants
The province of Overijssel, Natuurmonumenten, Staatsbosbeheer, Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority (WDODelta) and the municipalities of Steenwijkerland and Zwartewaterland are working together to control invasive aquatic plants in the area.
Further underwater recordings are planned in the coming period. The organisations involved hope to gain a clearer understanding of the effectiveness of the removal measures and how aquatic vegetation recovers after invasive species have been removed.
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The underwater footage helps demonstrate the effectiveness of the removal measures
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This article was previously published on 19 October 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
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