AES is licensed as a commercial herbicide applicator for the treatment of aquatic weeds and algae. Without proper management a pond will quickly be taken over by weeds that not only look bad, but make fishing and other recreational activities difficult. We positively identify weeds and algae to determine appropriate correction measures. We can apply herbicides and/or stock grass carp to help control aquatic vegetation.

Grass carp provide excellent biological control for many species of aquatic plants. Grass carp must be triploid (sterile) in order to be stocked in Georgia, and require the fish dealer, Aquatic Environmental, to obtain an exotic species wild animal license. Grass carp are stocked at rates of 5 to 15 per acre depending on the plant species growing in the pond, severity of the weed coverage, and the size of the pond. Stocking sizes are 3 to 5 inches for new ponds, and 8 to 10 inches or 10 to 12 inches for existing ponds.

There are two main concerns when stocking grass carp. First is stocking mortality, grass carp are torpedo shaped meaning a 16-inch bass can eat an 8-inch carp. If several 3-lb largemouth bass are present, grass carp should be at least 10-12 inches to lower bass predation. The second concern is escape. Grass carp originally came from Asia where they lived in rivers. Due to their love of flowing water all outlet pipes and emergency spillways should be covered with a good barrier to prevent escape. We've installed several fish barriers that prevent fish escape and allow the passing of small debris. Let us know if an escape route is present and we can submit a barrier design. When properly stocked and maintained, grass carp will provide great weed and algae control for 4 years or more.

The second method to control aquatic weeds is herbicide applications. This solution provides a quick kill but may require additional treatments. The type of application will vary according to what aquatic species is being treated. In all cases, we only use herbicides registered by the EPA for aquatic use. These herbicides are environmentally safe, and do not harm fish or other wildlife. For some herbicides irrigation is not advised for a set period, usually less than a week. When infestation is heavy it is necessary split treatments to prevent poor water quality from decaying plants.

Prices for applications vary but in general are $200 per application plus chemical cost and mileage. Easy access ponds with minimal growth might be less while, large infestations with difficult access will be more. Contact to discuss further.
 

In order to have a good bream/bass pond there must be a balance between the predator and prey species. The most efficient method to determine the predator to prey ratio is with an electroshock analysis also called electro-fishing. This quickly allows the capture of several species and quantities of fish to accurately determine information about the fishery. Once data is collected the fish are released back into the lake unharmed.

A full lake audit includes water quality analysis, dam inspection, weed and algae identification, fish habitat evaluation, and electrofishing. This service is provided for $500 plus mileage from Ball Ground, GA. Properties with multiple lakes will receive a quantity discount. A written management plan is submitted with specific recommendations tailored for your goals. The report contains advice on fish harvest, fish stocking, fertilization, supplemental feeding, and fish habitat improvements. For those who wish to have verbal recommendations a $100 discount is provided.

Electrofishing is also a great means to remove undesired or over abundant fish. Some of its uses involve removal of stunted bass, competitive species such as crappie, and trash fish such as common carp, suckers, etc. Many of our customers use this service to remove bass because this is superior to fishing them out. When fishing your are removing the more genetically aggressive bass leaving behind bass that are more difficult to catch.
 

Aquatic Environmental in just the last eight years has stocked fish in over 1,000 lakes and ponds in the southeast. AES is a licensed retail fish dealer and has the required wild animal license to sell triploid grass carp. We can recommend proper stocking ratios and species according to your pond's goals. Before stocking an existing lake we suggest a fish population analysis. This will determine which species may need to be stocked to get the lake back in "balance". Delivery cost has continued to increase. When possible we couple orders with other customers in the area to provide you a lower delivery cost. We hope in the near future to add fish days across Georgia so look for us at your nearest feed store. Fish are also available for pickup with appointment at our Ball Ground holding facility. Prices are listed with quantity discounts. Contact for quantity prices greater than those listed

Threadfin shad are available but only sold by the load. A load is the proper amount needed for establishment in existing bass pond. They load is stocked in the spring right when the shad are ready to spawn. This is critical to stock a shad that is ready to spawn so that those who survive initial predation can quickly spawn to establish a population. The price is $1,000 per load of 5,000 mature threadfin shad plus applicable delivery charges.

Aquatic Environmental can test your lake water to determine the critical information needed to better manage your fishery.These important parameters described below can be checked for $100.00 and submitted with a detailed report for $150. Many pond owners are concerned about the safety of their water. A fecal coliform analysis performed by a laboratory will quickly determine any possible safety concerns at an additional cost of only $50.00. We make recommendations based on your water quality results for lime applications, aeration installation, etc.

Water Quality Parameter Descriptions:

Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a measure of the amount of oxygen available to aquatic organisms, and is reported as mg/l or percent saturation. Percent saturation is a representation of how much oxygen is dissolved in the water relative to the amount of oxygen that can be held at a specific temperature. Colder water can hold more oxygen than warm water. Dissolved oxygen fluctuates daily with it being at its lowest levels in the early morning hours. DO does not pose a problem for most fish until levels fall below 4 mg/l. Dissolved oxygen profile shows how stratification affects DO levels as depth changes.

pH
The pH measures the concentration of the hydrogen ions present in the water, and is usually thought of as the measurement of acidic or alkaline conditions. A pH of 7 is neutral with lower values being acidic and higher values being alkaline. Most organisms in a lake prosper when the pH is maintained between 6.5 and 9. The pH cycles daily due to a complex interaction of alkalinity, hardness, carbon dioxide, and photosynthesis and respiration. The lake is more acidic in the mornings, and will also vary according to depth. When pH levels are out of the desired range for long periods, detrimental affects may occur.

Hardness
Hardness is a measure of the quantity of divalent ions in water. Generally in Georgia, calcium and magnesium carbonate account for the majority of the hardness. Hardness levels affect the toxicity of some algaecides, limit phytoplankton formation, and play a role in fish growth. Levels below 15 mg/l should be increased with the addition of 2-3 tons per acre of agricultural lime.

Alkalinity
Alkalinity is defined as the quantity of base present in water. The most common bases include carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, and phosphates. Total alkalinity is closely related to hardness with both being reported as mg/l CaCO3. Alkalinity basically determines the buffering capacity of a lake. A good buffering capacity will absorb introductions of acids and bases with little change in pH levels. By maintaining the desired pH levels nutrients are more available to phytoplankton resulting in a lake that has an increased carrying capacity.

Visibility
Visibility is measured with the use of a secchi disc. The white/black disc 20 cm in diameter is lowered vertically through the water until it can no longer be seen. Suspended particles reduce this visibility level. Therefore, in the absence of turbidity from silt or mud the secchi disc serves as a international standard to indicate phytoplankton.

Temperature
The temperature affects most of the other parameters making it critical to determine and report along with other data. It is also a major determining factor for the reproduction of many species. When measured as a depth profile it indicates the possibility of year around trout habitat.

Extra: Fecal Coliform
Fecal coliform is the measure of the concentration of the bacteria Escherichia coli, which is specific to the guts of birds and mammals. The bacteria itself resides in the gut of humans, and is not harmful unless in high numbers. It serves as an indicator of possible sewage contamination because it persists longer than most other harmful pathogens associated with sewage, and it does not prosper or reproduce outside its host animal. Fecal coliform can originate from human or animal sources, and is usually higher after rains. Levels are not of a concern unless above 100 colonies per 100 ml of lake water. High levels indicate a sewage leak, animal waste in the watershed, or excessively high numbers of waterfowl utilizing the lake.

Many lakes including residential and commercial lakes are not concerned about fishing but wish to have a pond or lake that enhances the landscape. We work closely with property managers to maintain a lake that is aesthetically pleasing by many of these services as well as trash removal on a monthly basis.

Some lake may even receive water color enhancements. This involves the use of lake dye that results in a pleasing light green natural color and not the artificial blue color seen on some lakes. During the frequent inspections weeds and algae will be noticed and treated preventing noxious infestations. Click here to submit a request for a lake management proposal for your review. Yearly contracts are less than you may think.
 

The best way to increase the productivity of a fishing pond is through a good fertilization program. When performed properly the carrying capacity of a pond can go from 100 pounds of fish per acre up to 400 pounds per acre. Fertilizer alone does not grow big fish, but allows you to have more pounds of fish. However, combine fertilization with a good harvest plan and you are on the road to bigger fish whatever your goals.

For a fertilization program to be effective you need to determine a few things about your pond. Does the pond have excess flow? You should calculate a retention time for the pond. You need a retention time of at least two weeks for fertilizer to be cost effective. The second important thing to check is your weed status. Never fertilize until all weeds/algae have been eradicated from the pond because fertilizing is like adding fuel to the fire. Third, test your alkalinity level. With low alkalinity you may have to use ten times the normal amount of fertilizer to get a good phytoplankton bloom.

If you have a low retention time I suggest a supplemental feeding program in lieu of fertilizing. To eradicate weeds stock grass carp or apply herbicides before starting the fertilization program. If your alkalinity level is below 15 ppm then lime applications are needed prior to fertilizing. Adding 4 tons of agricultural lime per surface acre will increase your buffering capacity for up to 5 years. By increasing your buffering capacity your pH will be maintained at levels that more easily allow phytoplankton to form when applying fertilizer.

For lime applications we can help lineup a spreader truck or lime barge. Fertilization programs are provided for client's on a yearly basis. We strive to maintain proper phytoplankton blooms throughout the growing season to maximize fish production. Call to add your pond to the AES fertilization route. For those of you who get satisfaction from working on your own pond call for free advice, and the right products. We can now ship the easy to use water-soluble 10-52-4 fertilizer. It can simply be cast from shore or boat at a rate of only 4 lbs./acre. The fertilizer goes right into solution making it more effective and economical than other types of pond fertilizers.
 

A pond with the right amount of structure provides more fishing enjoyment than a structureless fishing pond. Structures placed in the right locations are fish magnets that dramatically increase fishing success. Habitat improvements can result in larger fish when done properly. There is no doubt the habitat enhancement makes a pond more productive for the fisherman.

Pond owners may not realize we have many options available for placing cover in an existing lake without draining the pond. By using a depth finder a bottom contour can be determined to better determine fish structure sites. Another option is draining the pond and starting over. When this is done we work closely with the pond builder to create a under water fish haven. Click here to see our best selling fish attractor. We also available for consulting to advise your fish habitat improvements for as low as $150.
 

To have a pond that consistently produces trophy bass takes intensive proper management. Many times it takes thinking outside the box. If a quality or trophy bass lake is what you desire then let AES help you achieve your goals. We have worked with literally hundreds of clients the last few years on this goal and feel we have a plan that will work for you.

If you have a new pond or a site for building a pond AES can assist from the beginning helping to create habitat and properly stock the lake. We work with pond builder to help design the lake for better fishing success and management. Properly stocking the pond of your dreams is the most important aspect of the trophy bass process. We stock only the finest coppernose bluegill, shellcracker, fathead minnows, and threadfin shad to provide your forage base. AES then stocks the genetically superior F1 largemouth bass. Growth rates of over 3 lbs. in a year have been obtained and 2.5 lbs. after 18 months is the norm.

Most folks are trying to obtain better quality bass fishing in an existing lake. In this case, the first step is determining the current fish population dynamics in your pond. An electroshock analysis is necessary to collect data on many different fish. This data helps determine predator to prey balance, species composition, reproductive success, and growth rates. If the pond is "bass heavy" a good harvest plan needs to be instituted. Removing 25 pounds of 10-12 inch bass per acre may be necessary to help free up food for the bass to grow. AES will advise on the exact number and size of bass to harvest according to the electroshock results. We are also avail be to remove the bass via shocking that is much easier and better genetically than removing by fish methods.

In addition to harvest, to consistently produce trophies greater than 8 pounds it is also advised to start a fertilization program, supplemental feeding program and stock additional forage species. A good fertilization plan will produce more pounds of forage. The stocking of threadfin shad will result in tons of high protein forage when coupled with a fertilization program. Stocking gizzard shad while not suggested for most is a viable option when the lake currently has a large populaitoon of 5 lb bass. The threadfin does not get as big and adds lots of food for bass by reproducing several times over the course of the year.

Supplemental feeding is extremely successful method to produce more lbs of bass food. When hand feeding you are not maximizing the bluegill growth. An automatic feeder provides multiple feedings per day during the growing season. These fish are healthier reproducing at higher rates and provide larger prey items the larger bass need for growth. Bluegill have small stomachs and eat little per feeding. By feeding smaller portions several times per day bluegill grow much quicker. Take a look at our Aquapro feeder line on the products page. Placing several feed stations around the lake is critical since bluegill do not travel large distances.

Having an experienced and knowledgeable fisheries biologist managing or consulting the pond owner is critical to help maintain proper population dynamics and growth rates. Producing big largemouths is similar to producing quality whitetails. You need to provide a high nutrition diet, harvest the proper numbers and sizes of fish, and have good genetics. Some ponds will benefit from diversifying the bass genetics as well. Start the process of producing those lunkers that you have been dreaming about by getting in contact with AES today.

We are really excited to be offering lake mapping services. For fisherman, lake mapping provides a way to accurately map cover and structure revealing the the fishing hot spots in a lake or pond. A lake map shows the imagery around the lake allowing you to then find the underwater items by looking at the shoreline.

For those concerned with sedimentation, there is no better option than lake mapping combined with a sedimentation survey. We work closely with another firm that provides the sedimentation data that can be integrated into the maps of your lake. If resale is something you have in mind for your piece of property, a lake map will allow you to showcase the lake. We currently have a client wanting a map of his lake for the purpose of safety. Specifically to a show dive team if a problem ever arose. More information about the mapping process is included below. Please feel free to contact us for pricing and additional information.

BATHYMETRIC MAPPING
iMAP™ has developed a unique process to create a complete 3-Dimensional map of nearly any body of water. These underwater technology maps are incredibly accurate and can be completed in a relatively short period of time. Frequent uses for these maps include: sedimentation control, volume calculation, recreation maps, habitat and ecology management, watershed management and awesome fishing maps.

THE PROCESS
GPS and sonar equipment have been integrated to provide underwater data collection. This system provides a location (x,y) and depth (z) every second. After the data has been collected for the entire body of water, the data is imported into a customized software program. This program provides volume and area calculations, contour lines, 3D viewing, and for an extra charge fly-through capabilities. The unique process used to derive this information is the quickest, most accurate and cost-effective way available today. We can map lakes for 1/3 the cost of engineering firms and provide more accurate data at the same time.

BENEFITS
This service ranges from mapping a small pond on a golf course for weed control calculations, to mapping a large lake for developmental purposes. Once a digital model has been produced, several calculations can be made. We can even tell you how many gallons of water it would take to raise a lake by an inch. There are many practical uses for this information, and with this new technology, it’s now an affordable solution.

AERIAL IMAGERY
Any landowner would benefit from having an aerial view of their lake or property. iMAP™ is one of the largest distributors of aerial photography and satellite imagery. Many different forms of analysis can be derived from this technology, including plant life (infrared), and land development. This is a very economical choice and we use this service often to quickly get a fairly accurate estimate of surface acreage. In many situations with available imagery a wall map of large pieces of property is available. iMAP™ produces three dimensional terrain scenes from 2-D images. This is great for analyzing drainage, watershed, erosion, slope, aspect, hunting views, and other resource management questions.

Please feel free to Contact Us to find out more about this service.
 

Many lakes and ponds in the metro Atlanta area have concerns about nuisance problems associated with beavers, muskrats, snakes, turtles and otters. AES performs trapping for beaver, muskrat and otter. Many urban areas can have thousands of dollars of tree and landscape damage from beavers in only a short period of time. Muskrats burrow into dams and shoreline and may destroy landscaping. Since most of these areas do not facilitate shooting, a good trapper is key to a quick humane removal.

Traps are set in ways to practically eliminate the capture of non target animals. In most cases the traps are placed below the water line. Prices for this service vary by season. Typically the setting of traps is $150.00 plus $100 per target animal captured. In areas having a large population of nuisance animals a lower price maybe negotiated.
 

The numbers of non-migratory Canada geese have been on the rise in the metro Atlanta area in the last five years. They are nice at first, but quickly one pair turns into several Dozen or more. They defecate on nicely manicured and landscaped lawns making them a nuisance for pond owners and property managers.

Until recently they could not be controlled with lethal means outside a short hunting season which is not an option in metro areas anyway. You can apply for a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to destroy nest, remove eggs and possibly employ lethal means.

AES is a leader in the goose removal field. We can provide lethal control for the permit holder in the most humane and discretionary manner. To apply for a permit you can call your local DNR office or call 770-918-6400 to determine which DNR number to call for your area.

We also have non lethal control methods that have proven effective. AES can install aesthetically pleasing excluder devices around the shoreline. This simple low cost fence keeps the geese from walking out of the lake onto your lawn. We have tried many of the replants on the market and have not found one that is effective. We offer trapping services as well. They are most easily removed during the time of the year when they are flightless.
 

Due to the enormous increase in suburban development many ponds and lakes in the metro Atlanta area are suffering from increased sedimentation. An upstream land clearing can result in immediate sedimentation in the upper stretches of a lake and turbid unsightly ponds. We map the lake to determine current depths. We then accurately via core sampling of the upper most effected area determine sedimentation rates. A total cubic yard measurement is calculated to return the pond to the old depths prior to sedimentation. The report is then invaluable for getting restitution or dredge bids. AES works with many subcontractors experienced in dredging lakes that can provide written estimates detailing the work and cost for dredging.