OK, my boss in the Army (Full Colonel) has asked for my help in solving a weed issue. Where I am stationed there are large lakes, interconnected by canals, that are probably well over 100 acres in size. In these lakes are weeds, which the Generals have determined are an eyesore and want us to hire locals with rakes to clean them out. Below are some pictures of these weeds.
with silver dollar for size comparison
I thought about tilapia or grass carp, but have no idea if they can even be obtained here. I thought about fish farming tilapia (its surely hot enough here for overwinter survival) which would not only be an environmentaly friendly way (no chemicals) but may also provide a lasting economical benefit to the people of Iraq. Has anyone heard of either species around the middle east? I'm scared of the grass carp for escape reasons and the sterile ones might be cost prohibitive, but I'm open to suggestions.
Here is a picture of the palace that is on the lake.
Thanks,
Shawn
