Expert: Hyacinth Problem In Stockton Port Can't Be Solved With Manatees
STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) - The mayor of a Central California city is floating several ideas to try to get rid of a weed that is clogging city waterways.
Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva has proposed bringing in manatees from Florida to chomp down on the invasive water hyacinth plant, offering the plant to manufacturers for use in furniture and using it as a biofuel.
Water hyacinth has overrun the Port of Stockton and made it difficult for boats to navigate.
Experts tell The Record of Stockton the manatee idea wouldn't work. Manatees are endangered, so moving them from Florida to Central California would not be allowed. The animals also would not survive in the cold Delta waters.
Silva told The Record he was not dissuaded and would continue to look for other ways to combat the plant.