Occurrence and removal of watermilfoil in Uusikaupunki

Testing the mapping, removal, and utilization of Eurasian watermilfoil

Duration of the project

1.6.2025 – 30.11.2026

Source of funding

Leader Ravakka

Total funding

50 265 €

Eurasian watermilfoil is invading water bodies and water users are calling for measures to reduce its impact. So far, there is relatively little published information on the effects of aquatic plant removal and the results of harvesting. The project will investigate the presence of Eurasian watermilfoil in Uusikaupunki and test its removal in a pilot area.

The project will investigate the suitability of drone imaging for remowing Eurasian watermilfoil, test the removal and utilization of Eurasian watermilfoil, and assess the effects of harvesting in the pilot area. The aim is to utilize the harvested biomass. The goal is to obtain an overall picture of the occurrence of Eurasian watermilfoil in Uusikaupunki, which is why its occurrence is also mapped by collecting citizen observations from the municipal area.

Testing of aquatic plant removal will be carried out in 2026. The vegetation will be mowed mechanically, and the plant biomass will be collected as accurately as possible.

The project is coordinated by Turku University of Applied Sciences. The project partner is the City of Uusikaupunki. The Leader group Ravakka has granted the project support covering 80% of the project costs.

Photo by Joonas Hoikkala (Metsähallitus)