The U.S. Commercial Service recently presented an Export Achievement Award to one of its longtime clients, Aquarius Systems of North Prairie, Wisconsin. The company was lauded for its contributions to water purification in Malawi and for expanding into the South Sudan. Using the Aquarius Systems’ Swamp Devil Aquatic Vegetation Shredder as boats traveled through swamps to deliver food, the UN was able to provide sustenance to more remote African locations after devastating floods.

Shown here with the award (right to left) are Diane Farrell, Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade; Jane Dauffenbach, President/Owner, Aquarius Systems, U.S. Commercial Service Milwaukee Director Koreen Grube, and International Trade Specialist Shari Stout.

Innovative Technologies for Lake Management

Africas’ Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world. It is less than 260 feet at its deepest point. For nearly ten years a growing water hyacinth infestation has wreaked havoc on the neighboring countries. Massive islands have formed that blow around from one region of the lake to another, like big green icebergs. When one of these masses settles into a port or bay, it paralyzes local fishing and transportation.

The Solution

Aquarius Systems proposed using three Swamp Devil Aquatic Vegetation Shredders to perform the work.  The Swamp Devil is a powerful machine fitted with two circular cutting blades on the bow that also serve to propel and steer the vessel.  By using a special double blade system, the machine could shred the water hyacinth into small pieces.

Read: Managing Aquatic Plants on a Massive Scale