Marine Debris Resources

Marine Debris Resource Center

Our up-to-date library of marine debris and plastic pollution resources

Texas Freeze Did Not Stop Zebra Mussels Tilapia and Other Invasive Species

Not even a historic week of freezing temperatures and record-setting snowfall last month could mitigate some of the toughest and most threatening invasive species known to central Texas, biologists from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department say. While many of native Texas wildlife were injured or killed by the winter weather, some invasive critters such

Published in Aquatic Invasive Species, Resources

Tagged under: apple snails, aquatic invasive species, climate impacts, extreme weather, freshwater ecosystems, invasive species spread, invasive species Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife, tilapia, winter freeze, zebra mussels

Weed Harvesting Crew Roles and Weekly Schedule for Harvesters Barges and Transporters

The Harvesters (weed cutters) are Yellow. They are cutting on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Typically “as a rule of thumb” the harvesters do not cut on Fridays. The Shore Barges (weed pick up – floaters and shorelines) are Orange. They are out every weekday, weather permitting, picking up floating weeds and weeds along the

Published in Lake & Waterway Management, Resources

Tagged under: aquatic plant harvester, aquatic vegetation, conveyors, floaters, floating weeds, lake management, material handling, mechanical harvesting, operations schedule, shoreline cleanup, transport barges, vegetation removal, weed harvesting

Salt Marshes Help Protect Coastal Communities From Flooding and Storm Surge

A group of military and government leaders has endorsed an initiative to protect the one million acres of salt marsh that stretches from North Carolina down to northeast Florida. Salt marshes are sinewy channels of coastal grasslands known for their ability to protect coasts from flooding and storm surge during heavy rain events and hurricanes.

Published in Resources, Water Quality & Pollution

Tagged under: climate change, coastal ecosystems, coastal resilience, flood protection, hurricane protection, nature-based solutions, noaa, salt marsh, shoreline protection, storm surge, water resources, wetlands

What Is Aquatic Weed Harvesting and What Results Should You Expect

What is Harvesting? Operational Considerations for your lake. Expected Results from a Weed Harvesting Program. Most aquatic plant harvesting systems will cut and remove submersed plants to a depth of five or six feet. As this biomass is removed from the lake, the water is immediately ready for use and there are no restrictions on