Category Archives: Uncategorized
Quagga Mussel Treatment in Idaho Raises Concerns
In 2023, Idaho used a copper-based chemical treatment on the Snake River near Twin Falls to fight invasive quagga mussels. While the goal was eradication, the outcome shows more harm than success.
The treatment caused widespread losses of native species—fish, mussels, snails, and insects were hit hard. Nearly the entire local sturgeon population was wiped out, and more than 7,000 pounds of copper settled into the riverbed, creating long-term toxicity risks.
Even with these lethal side effects, the mussels weren’t eliminated. Larvae were still detected a year later, forcing another round of chemical treatment.
This case shows why relying on aquatic chemicals is a risky approach. They may temporarily suppress invasive species, but they often leave behind long-lasting damage to ecosystems, water quality, and native wildlife. Smarter solutions are needed to protect our rivers without poisoning them.
Big Wakes, Bigger Questions
Wake boats are growing in popularity on Wisconsin lakes, but the waves they create come with consequences. The powerful wakes can erode shorelines, stir up sediment that fuels algae blooms, damage fish habitat, and disrupt other recreational users like kayakers and swimmers.
States across the country are experimenting with regulations—setbacks from shore, minimum depths, and lake-specific restrictions—but Wisconsin still faces a patchwork of local rules. Balancing recreation, safety, and environmental protection is the challenge.
Read the full article on our website: Big Wakes, Bigger Questions
Restoring Lake Victoria: Battling the Water Hyacinth Invasion
Lake Victoria, one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes, plays a vital role for millions of people in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Unfortunately, the lake continues to struggle with one of the most aggressive invasive plants on Earth — water hyacinth.
These fast-growing plants form dense mats that block fishing, navigation, and sunlight, threatening both local economies and the lake’s ecosystem. To help combat the problem, Aquarius Systems has joined efforts under the Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project (LVEMP) to remove thousands of hectares of water hyacinth using specialized mechanical equipment.
This project highlights how mechanical removal offers an environmentally friendly solution compared to chemical treatments — helping restore balance to the lake while protecting aquatic life.
Read the full story on our website: Restoring Lake Victoria: Battling the Water Hyacinth Invasion
Wisconsin Wake Boat Bans, Neighbors Pitted Against Each Other
Wake boats, designed to create large waves for water sports, have sparked growing conflict on Wisconsin’s lakes. While fun for wakeboarders and surfers, their large wakes can erode shorelines, stir up sediments, harm aquatic habitats, and create safety concerns for other lake users.
As tensions rise, more Wisconsin communities are taking action — with 31 now enacting ordinances restricting wake-enhancing boat operations across nearly 200 lakes statewide.
Read the full article on our website: Wisconsin Wake Boat Bans, Neighbors Pitted Against Each Other
The Benefits of Fall Aquatic Weed Harvesting
As temperatures cool, fall offers the perfect opportunity to harvest aquatic weeds and prepare lakes and ponds for the next growing season. Removing excess plant material before winter helps manage nutrients, prevent algae blooms, and improve water clarity.
Fall harvesting also helps control invasive species, allows easier access with lower water levels, and sets the stage for a healthier ecosystem come spring.
Read the full article on our website: The Benefits of Fall Aquatic Weed Harvesting
Protecting Wisconsin Waters for 50 Years
In 2024, Wisconsin celebrates 50 years of Chapter 33: Public Inland Waters — the landmark law that established a cooperative framework for managing and protecting the state’s lakes and rivers. This legislation led to the creation of over 250 lake districts, each working to preserve water quality and support sustainable use for generations to come.
As stakeholders gather in Stevens Point to reflect on five decades of progress, the focus remains on continuing Wisconsin’s strong legacy of lake, river, and watershed stewardship.
Read the full article on our website: Protecting Wisconsin Waters for 50 Years
Amphibians are Indicator Species for Water Quality
Amphibians are among the best indicators of aquatic ecosystem health. Because they breathe through their skin, pollutants or toxins in the water can quickly affect them — making their presence and condition valuable clues about water quality.
Researchers study amphibians to monitor pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides, as well as to detect diseases that threaten aquatic life, such as chytridiomycosis. Protecting these sensitive species helps safeguard the broader health of our waterways.
Read the full article on our website: Amphibians Are Indicator Species for Water Quality
Judge Overturns Approval of Herbicide Use in Lake George
Lake George — one of the cleanest large lakes in the world — has faced decades of challenges from invasive Eurasian milfoil. For over 30 years, the lake has been managed through hand-harvesting and matting, removing more than 90 tons of milfoil in 2020 alone.
When the Lake George Park Commission sought to introduce aquatic herbicides to combat the invasive weed, many residents and environmental groups raised concerns about potential harm to native species and drinking water. After a legal battle, a state Supreme Court judge ultimately overturned the approval of herbicide use in the lake.
Read the full article on our website: Judge Overturns Approval of Herbicide Use in Lake George
A Toast to the Aquatic Weed Harvester
Beneath the water’s surface, where plants grow thick and fish glide by, one machine quietly restores balance — the aquatic weed harvester. With precision blades and steady purpose, it clears overgrown waterways, keeping them open, healthy, and thriving for all aquatic life.
This creative ode was generated by Aquarius Systems’ Technical Sales Representative, Nick, using AI with a simple prompt: “Write a poem about aquatic weed harvesters.”
Read the full article on our website: A Toast to the Aquatic Weed Harvester
Introducing the Aquarius Systems Aquatic Trash Skimmer
Experts predict that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the sea. To help combat this growing problem, Aquarius Systems developed the world’s first Aquatic Trash Skimmer in the mid-1970s for use in the canals of Venice, Italy.
The innovative Trash Hunter was the first boat designed specifically to collect and remove floating debris from surface waters—leading the way for today’s modern marine debris skimmers used around the world.
Read the full article on our website: Introducing the Aquarius Systems Aquatic Trash Skimmer
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