Hydroecology

Hydroecology is the science and related engineering aspects pertaining to the movement of water through an ecosystem or environment as it relates to the complex and changing interactions between precipitation, water flow, water storage, flora, and fauna. In the erosion control industry, this study becomes important because of the flourishing natural ecosystem found on all lakes, ponds, rivers, canals, wetlands, preserves, and hammocks. More specifically, the amount of littoral (seasonally-flooded) plants that are present as a direct result of water present. Lakes and ponds that are allowed to get too dry or have too much water pumped out of them will typically have less native flora and fauna. Additionally, lakes that receive unhealthy water from pollution, run-off, algae blooms, etc. usually have an unhealthy ecosystem both in the water and just above it on the shorelines.


Water from rainfall is absorbed by a planned community’s storm water management system. This system directs the water into the lakes underground. However, the water that falls in areas where it is not “managed” can create sheet flow, washouts, erosion, and damage to the landscaping and/or lake. A body of water with a healthy littoral shelf (congregation of seasonally-flooded plants) fosters activities such as nesting and feeding for local wildlife. It also helps stabilize the shoreline from erosion and may filter out heavy metals and contaminates from fertilizer and other man-made chemicals. Ergo, an evenly distributed and sustainable waterflow (hydro) on and above a shoreline helps sustain a healthy ecosystem (ecology).


Rainwater that is allowed to undermine sod, turf reinforcement mat (TRM), synthetic geotubes, and polypropylene and polyethylene containment systems will lead to sinking sod, failed mats, and exposed bags/tubes on your lake system. This is not good!

Hydroecology

Above Picture: Some engineers specify erosion-control devices made out of concrete such as this Flexamat®. While good in theory, the problem with this type of mat is that water finds a way underneath the concrete muffins and undermines them.


The best way to create a natural, healthy preserve around your water body is to have a natural one installed that makes proper use of the water it receives and takes advantage of it, instead of allowing it to slowly degrade whatever systems are put in place. It is for this reason that once geotubes, DredgeSOX®, and ShoreSOX® fail, we are asked to come in and remove them and then install an erosion control system that is going to be much more successful in the long-term. To make matters worse, the synthetic tubes (which are made out of the same type of material as trash bags) has to be taken to a dump or landfill where it will take hundreds of years to decompose. These systems get a lot of publicity simply because they have been around so long and new R&D has not been undertaken to study their hydroecological effects on lakes, ponds, rivers, and canals.

Above Picture: Proper hydroecology around a lake fosters healthy littoral plant colonization which helps maintain healthy water, strong shorelines, and meet local and state municipal codes.


If you need an assessment done on your water body, find a good local marine civil engineer who has experience with shorelines and their proper stabilization. They can usually bring in a hydroecologist to further analyze the water’s effect on the ecosystem in place, whether good or bad. Or, contact us if you would like to find out more or need some direction.

Recent Posts

Littoral Planting & Shoreline Restoration: Seabreeze’s Signature Solution for Healthy, Beautiful Waterways

By Seabreeze Lake Maintenance • December 20, 2025
Littoral planting—restoring a pond or lake’s shoreline with native aquatic plants—is one of the most powerful ways to improve water quality, stabilize banks, reduce algae, and enhance the natural appearance of a waterbody. A well-designed littoral zone transforms an ordinary retention pond into a thriving ecosystem that benefits the entire community. At Seabreeze Lake Maintenance , littoral restoration is more than just a service—it’s a core specialty. We are dedicated to rebuilding native shoreline habitats using plants that are scientifically proven to strengthen banks, clean the water, and support fish and wildlife. Our projects consistently produce healthier, more attractive waterbodies that require less chemical use and long-term maintenance. This article explains what littoral zones are, why they matter, and how Seabreeze leads the industry in shoreline restoration and planting. What Are Littoral Zones? Littoral zones are the shallow edges of a pond or lake where sunlight easily reaches the bottom, allowing aquatic plants to grow. These zones are the natural backbone of a healthy waterbody. Functions of a Proper Littoral Zone Stabilizes the shoreline to prevent erosion Absorbs excess nutrients that fuel algae growth Provides habitat for fish, frogs, and beneficial insects Improves water clarity by reducing sediment suspension Filters stormwater runoff before it enters the pond Adds natural beauty with vibrant native vegetation Without plants, ponds begin to fail—shorelines erode, sediment builds up, algae increases, water quality declines, and maintenance costs rise.  Littoral plants are not decoration—they are essential water-quality tools.

Fountain Care, Maintenance & Water Quality Management How Seabreeze Protects and Enhances Your Water Features

By Seabreeze Lake Maintenance • December 20, 2025
Decorative fountains are more than just eye-catching additions to a landscape—they play a crucial role in water circulation, oxygenation, and aesthetic appeal. From HOA entrance monuments to large community lakes, fountains create movement that prevents stagnation, supports aquatic health, and elevates the visual value of your property. At Seabreeze Lake Maintenance , we provide comprehensive fountain installation, maintenance, repair, and water-quality support for commercial properties, residential communities, municipalities, and private landowners. Our experience with aquatic systems, vegetation control, and aeration makes us uniquely equipped to keep fountains running smoothly while ensuring the water body they serve stays healthy year-round. This article explains the benefits of fountains, the types available, common problems, and how Seabreeze helps property owners maintain reliable and attractive water features. The Purpose of Fountains: Beauty Meets Function Fountains are often thought of as purely decorative, but their impact goes far deeper. When installed in ponds, lakes, or retention systems, they deliver essential environmental benefits. Aesthetic Benefits Enhances property value and visual appeal Creates a focal point for entrances, parks, golf courses, and communities Provides movement, sparkle, and sound that uplift outdoor environments Functional & Environmental Benefits Circulation & Oxygenation: Increases dissolved oxygen to support fish and beneficial bacteria Algae Reduction: Moving water disrupts surface stagnation Mosquito Control: Flowing water discourages breeding Odor Reduction: Reduces organic buildup and foul smells Water Stratification Prevention: Helps prevent temperature layering

Integrated Algae, Aquatic Weed, Grass & Brush Control: How Seabreeze Protects Your Waterways and Land

By Seabreeze Lake Maintenance • December 20, 2025
Healthy ponds, lakes, drainage systems, and surrounding landscapes require ongoing management. Whether it's stubborn algae, invasive aquatic weeds, or overgrown grass and brush, each issue can affect water quality, ecological balance, property aesthetics, and long-term maintenance costs. At Seabreeze Lake Maintenance , we specialize in comprehensive vegetation and water management programs tailored for private property owners, HOAs, municipalities, agricultural sites, and commercial facilities. With years of hands-on field experience, our team provides safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions designed to restore balance and protect your investment. This article breaks down the essentials of algae control, aquatic weed management, and terrestrial grass and brush control—explaining how Seabreeze approaches each challenge with proven methods and modern tools. Understanding Algae: Causes, Types & Control Algae are natural components of aquatic ecosystems, but excessive growth—often triggered by nutrient overload, sunlight, and stagnant water—can disrupt the entire environment. Thick blooms reduce oxygen levels, produce foul odors, harm fish populations, and turn a beautiful pond into an eyesore. Common Types of Nuisance Algae Planktonic algae – Causes green water and algal blooms Filamentous algae – Stringy mats that float on surfaces or cling to shorelines Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) – Potentially toxic and difficult to control How Seabreeze Controls Algae Our algae control programs combine corrective and preventive strategies: Targeted algaecide treatments that safely and efficiently break down existing mats Aeration system installation or maintenance to increase dissolved oxygen Nutrient reduction using beneficial bacteria to rebalance the ecosystem Shading and dye solutions to limit sunlight penetration and slow regrowth Long-term water quality monitoring to prevent future blooms

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