FWC, The Army Corps of Engineers, and South Florida Water Management District are interested in testing the innovative technology that AguaCulture has patented which consists of mechanically harvesting aquatic vegetation such as algae, water hyacinths and hydrilla. This harvesting technology focuses on nutrient reduction by economically and efficiently harvesting the aquatic vegetation that has absorbed nutrients from the water column. The vegetation is reduced to a slurry, applied to upland areas and harvested as part of a process that removes nutrients from the watershed.  The result is improved water quality and a reduced potential for algae blooms. FWC will designate an area which will be the focus of this project to showcase the efficacy, feasibility and standardization of this system as a solution for aquatic weed management and nutrient control for Florida waterways. The project objectives are outlined as below:

1. Demonstrate the pounds of phosphorus removed via AguaCulture’s innovative technology.

2. Demonstrate that harvesting aquatic vegetation and unconsolidated sludge is economically feasible.

3. Demonstrate that the waste product can be applied to Agricultural land.

There is an array of major environmental benefits that this project will accomplish. First and foremost, this project will improve the water quality by removing nutrients, beyond just phosphorus, from the water which will mitigate against future algae blooms and improve water clarity, improve dissolved oxygen levels for other aquatic species as well as improving fish habitat. A reduction of chemical use may also lead to a reduction of unconsolidated sludge as the weeds are sprayed, die, sink to the bottom, rot and release the nutrients that the plant absorbed into the water perpetuating the problem. One drawback to traditional harvesting is the disposal of harvested material. An additional benefit of this system is repurposing the waste into a useful product that eliminates point source pollution and improves soil conditions for higher yields and healthier crops. The system can work year-round, resulting in continual nutrient removal.   Lastly, the removal of aquatic invasive plants will benefit native habitat and the fish and wildlife dependent on these.   

This resolution would support the pilot project as outlined by our collaborating state and federal agencies, in addition to certain neighboring communities which have already adopted resolutions in support.