Use of Sago Pondweed by Waterfowl on the Delta Marsh, Manitoba

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Abstract
Periodic sampling of sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus) in exclosures and plots open to waterfowl activity on the Delta Marsh, Manitoba [Canada], indicated an average utilization of 60.5 g/m2 (40.4% of standing crop) foliage and 26.3 g/m2 (42.9%) tubers between July 1973-June 1974. Intensity of use varied greatly among plots. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) and coots (Fulica americana) were the most commonly observed species on the study plots. A surplus of submerged aquatic plant food evidently existed on the Delta Marsh at observed waterfowl population levels. Heavy utilization of certain plots in 1973 resulted in a relative decrease (open vs. control plots) in the 1974 midusmmer standing crops of those stands. It seems likely that heavy use of a single stand over several consecutive seasons might result in decreased plant production. Selection of more productive sites by feeding waterfowl would eliminate such an effect.

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