Which of the following techniques involves removal of plants from the water by hand?

The technique that involves the removal of plants from the water by hand is hand-pulling weeds. This method is particularly effective for controlling small infestations of aquatic plants, especially in localized areas where mechanical methods may not be feasible or desirable. Hand-pulling allows for precise targeting of specific weeds without disturbing the surrounding ecosystem or sediments more than necessary.

This method is also beneficial in managing non-native or invasive species, as it can prevent them from spreading further by removing the entire root system. Additionally, hand-pulling helps to minimize the risk of damaging desirable native vegetation, making it an environmentally friendly approach to aquatic weed management. In situations where the plants are not deeply rooted or the water body is small, hand-pulling can serve as an efficient and low-impact solution.