What is the primary goal of biomanipulation in aquatic ecosystems?

Biomanipulation primarily aims to reduce algal blooms in aquatic ecosystems. This technique involves altering the composition and abundance of organisms within the ecosystem to create a more balanced and healthy environment. In many cases, excessive nutrient inputs—often from agricultural runoff or wastewater—can lead to rapid algal growth, resulting in harmful blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life.

Through biomanipulation, scientists may introduce or enhance populations of certain fish species that feed on herbivorous zooplankton, which in turn control the abundance of algae by grazing on the algal population. This top-down control can help maintain a healthier balance within the ecosystem, ultimately leading to clearer water and reduced algal proliferation. Thus, this management strategy focuses on utilizing biological processes and interactions to mitigate problems associated with nutrient over-enrichment, specifically targeting the reduction of algal blooms for improved water quality and overall ecosystem health.