Combined effects of submerged macrophytes and aquatic animals on the restoration of a eutrophic water body—A case study of Gonghu Bay, Lake Taihu

•Mesocosm and field experiment was conducted to clarify the combined effects of submerged macrophytes and aquatic animals on the restoration of eutrophic water bodies.•Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) may deteriorate water quality, whereas triangle sail mussels (Hyriopsis cumingii) could promote the establishment of a clear-water state.•Suggestions about practical ecological engineering were proposed.