Trash of all kinds exists in the ocean – clean-up crews have found cigarette butts, glass bottles and even mattresses. But the most common type of trash found in the ocean’s gyres (circular currents formed by wind patterns and the earth’s rotation) is tiny pieces of broken down plastics, known as microplastics. Microplastics, as well
Aquatic plants provide habitat for fish and aquatic insects, and provide oxygen to the water when the sun is out. When there is excessive aquatic plant growth, problems arise as those additional plants consume oxygen during the night and on cloudy days. This can drive oxygen levels down, which could be detrimental to the fish.
A new study by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has shown that ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species have been successful. The spread of aquatic invasive species has remained stable in the 1,000 Wisconsin lakes used in the study. Invasive species are still present in 75% of the lakes, but
A 2015 study led by the University of Georgia ranked India 12th among the top 20 coastal populations (and 192 countries) in the world that sent 0.60 million tonnes per year of mismanaged plastic waste into the ocean. Each time polythene covers, carry bags, or synthetic packaging materials are carelessly dropped on the streets or
Much of the trash and debris found in New York Harbor originated as litter discarded on city streets that was subsequently washed into the sewer system. The help prevent the litter from reaching the Bronx River, New York Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has installed $26 million of pollution control devices along the Bronx River.
We love to see our boats in action and seeing this large boat look so small against the giant backdrop of Brooklyn is just breathtaking. The Titan, which is a specially designed marine debris skimmer for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, is engineered to withstand Sea State 4 condition. It is the
A new bill introduced in the Senate would provide a route to funnel more money to states plagued by marine debris — the millions of tons of trash that drifts toward U.S. shores, littering coastlines and tangling in fishing nets. The bill focuses on using the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s authority to authorize more
When Pflugerville officials saw hydrilla and pondweed overtaking parts of Lake Pflugerville they called in the Moss Monster. The fast-growing aquatic plants can overcrowd a body of water, which hinders recreational activities and disrupts the ecosystem. Park and city officials fight back against the aquatic plants with mechanical trimmers and specialized fish. For James Wills,
Black Hawk Lake in Iowa will have an aquatic vegetation harvester operating for the fourth year in a row to manage plant growth in the waters near Lake View. Lake View City Administrator, Scott Peterson, says they have developed a system to manage the weeds in a way which benefits all users of the lake.
