The use of chemicals is the most common and versatile management strategy for controlling nuisance aquatic plant populations. Chemicals offer longer lasting control than mechanical methods; involve minimal labor and equipment; provide flexibility and predictability; plus, ultimately cost less. From the range of products available, spot control within particular areas or selective control of specific plant species can be achieved. Applications can be made to sites that cannot or might not be reached by other methods. Algaecides and aquatic herbicides will not disrupt the ecological balance and in many cases can be used to restore some balance to a system. Ingredients are non-persistent. They will degrade or become deactivated within a relatively short period of time after controlling target plants. Therefore, no build-up occurs within the fish food chain.