What role does biological control play in aquatic pest management?

Biological control in aquatic pest management leverages natural methods to suppress pest populations. This approach involves using natural predators, pathogens, or competitors to manage pest species, promoting ecological balance without the reliance on chemical treatments. Biological control can effectively reduce pest numbers while minimizing adverse effects on the environment and human health.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the essence of biological control. While it doesn’t eliminate the need for chemical applications in all cases (as some situations may still require integrated pest management strategies), its primary aim is to bolster natural ecological processes. Moreover, focusing only on manual removal overlooks the broader ecosystem interactions and might not be sustainable long-term. Lastly, introducing more invasive species contradicts the principles of biological control, as it aims to utilize existing organisms within the ecosystem rather than adding new, potentially harmful species. Thus, the emphasis on using natural methods to manage pest populations encapsulates the true role of biological control in aquatic pest management.