Author Archives: Aquarius Systems
Manomin – Wisconsin’s Wild Rice
Wild rice, or manomin, has long been an important food source for both people and wildlife. Once abundant across Wisconsin’s shallow lakes and rivers, it was especially valued by the Ojibwe and Menominee tribes.
Today, many wild rice beds have been lost due to pollution, invasive species, and fluctuating water levels. Aquarius Systems’ equipment helps restore these natural habitats by removing excess vegetation and reopening waterways.
Read the full article on our website: Manomin – Wisconsin’s Wild Rice
Yosemite Valley’s Twin Sacrificed for Drinking Water
Hetch Hetchy Valley, once nearly identical to Yosemite Valley, now lies underwater beneath the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Built after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to supply clean water and power, the project flooded a once-spectacular glacial valley. Today, it serves over two million people and generates 1.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually—but the debate over whether the dam should remain continues.
Read the full article on our website: Yosemite Valley’s Twin Sacrificed for Drinking Water
$5 billion Revival Leaves the Milwaukee River Cleaner
Thanks to $5 billion in improvements—including the deep tunnel system, dam removals, and phosphorus reduction—the Milwaukee River is cleaner and more valuable than it has been in the past century. Stronger environmental regulations have helped, but questions remain about balancing development with green space and further improving water quality.
Read more: $5 Billion Revival Leaves the Milwaukee River Cleaner
A Little Boy Who Likes Frogs
Dr. Tyrone Hayes, inspired by his childhood fascination with frogs, discovered that the widely used herbicide atrazine can feminize male frogs and disrupt hormone levels in wildlife. His research has made him an advocate for banning atrazine, which contaminates drinking water and affects ecosystems worldwide.
Read the full article on our website: A Little Boy Who Likes Frogs
Can Invasive Aquatic Plants Save the Florida Manatee?
Florida manatees rely on seagrasses and freshwater vegetation for survival, but habitat loss, boat strikes, and algae blooms have devastated their populations. In Kings Bay, an innovative experiment is using water hyacinth in containment cages to filter nutrients and improve water clarity, helping to restore the environment and protect manatees.
Read the full article on our website: Kings Bay Restoration
Keeping Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan
Asian carp, imported from China in the 1970s, escaped into U.S. rivers and threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem. These large, fast-growing fish disrupt the food chain and could devastate fisheries. DNA from Asian carp was found in Lake Michigan waters in 2013, and reports show they are approaching the lake despite electronic barriers. Proposed solutions include physical separation, locks, and chemical treatments, but cost and time remain major hurdles. Experts say just 10 male and 10 female carp could establish a reproducing population.
Read the full article on our website: Keeping Asian Carp out of Lake Michigan
Ice Puts Global Warming Under Fire
This winter, skeptics of global warming have plenty to question as extreme cold grips parts of the world. Global warming refers to rising surface temperatures, while climate change encompasses global warming plus its broader impacts—sea-level rise, changing weather patterns, and more. Misunderstandings often arise because the terms are used interchangeably, fueling debate among the uninformed and informed alike.
Read the full article on our website: Global Warming vs Climate Change
From the Atlantic to the Great Lakes: The Erie Canal
Construction of the Erie Canal began on July 4, 1817, to connect the Hudson River to Lake Erie and open the west to settlers. Using advanced Dutch engineering, human and animal power, and hundreds of skilled masons, the canal featured 18 aqueducts and 83 locks. Completed in 1825, it carried boats with 30 tons of freight and spurred westward expansion, making New York the nation’s busiest port within 15 years.
Read the full article on our website: From the Atlantic to the Great Lakes: The Erie Canal
The Aquarius Systems Titan Series® Trash Skimmer
Seeing our Titan Series® Trash Skimmer in action is breathtaking, especially against the giant backdrop of Brooklyn. Specially designed for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, this marine debris skimmer is built to handle Sea State 4 conditions and is ideal for ports, harbors, and coastal areas prone to harsh elements.
Read the full article on our website: The Aquarius Systems Titan Series® Trash Skimmer
Marine Debris in Your Backyard: Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a central part of life in Southeastern Wisconsin, providing beaches, recreation, and community events. Unfortunately, pollution and marine debris threaten these inland waterways, impacting wildlife, water quality, and the enjoyment of these vital resources.
Read the full article on our website: Marine Debris in Your Backyard: Great Lakes
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