Santee Cooper Grass Carp
Maintenance Stocking Summary

From 1989-1996 there was 768,500 triploid grass carp stocked in the Santee Cooper Lakes to help control the growth of hydrilla.  From 1996-2006 no carp were stocked. While this control method provided many years of lake-wide control; there is also a long term management strategy which includes maintenance stocking a sufficient number of grass carp in the system to keep hydrilla suppressed while allowing desirable native vegetation to flourish. 

The 2008 Aquatic Plant Management Plan includes the following recommendation the Santee Cooper Lakes in 2008.  

The Aquatic Plant Management Council is committed to maintenance stocking of triploid grass carp in the Santee Cooper Lakes to provide long-term control of hydrilla. Drought conditions during the past year resulted in a decrease in lake levels to near historic lows. The long-term impacts of the low water levels on the increasing hydrilla growths observed early in the year are as yet undetermined. These impacts may range from a degree of control to exposed beds of vegetation to rapidly expanded growth due to shallower and clearer water. As a result of these unknowns, no grass carp will be stocked until a determination of impacts can be made. Hydrilla populations will be carefully monitored and in the event that survey results and regrowth warrant, the Aquatic Plant Management Council will resume maintenance stocking of grass carp at that time. A maintenance stocking plan developed in 1999 provided for the stocking of grass carp at a rate that maintains a low level population to control hydrilla yet maintain native plant species. The plan was initiated in 2007 when it was apparent that aquatic vegetation was increasing in the lakes. Surveys in 2007(pre-drought) continue to indicate a substantial increase in aquatic plants and the regrowth of hydrilla in some areas. The plan is intended to maintain the population of triploid grass carp at the same level that was present in 2006.