Underwater Grass

State conservation officers are using herbicide to kill underwater grass beds in Chocolatta Bay.

The state says the herbicide is an experiment in restoring the Delta by controlling Eurasian water milfoil.

But critics say maybe the aquatic grass beds shouldn't be killed off. Scientists say they form the bedrock for aquatic wildlife communities for animals like largemouth bass and ducks. They say the Delta supports one of the riches marshes left in North America.

They're also suspicious that this is even a restoration project to begin with. Environmentalists say it could be designed to create navigation channels and plant-free fishing areas for bass fisherman.

A conservation official acknowledged some of those complaints when he said that improving bass boat corridors is a long-term objective.