Mechanical suggestion - I have attached two 2' x 4' sections of wire fencing to cover the entire length of an 8' long two by four stud; the natural curve of the rolled fence wire facing downward. It floats. Then made a "V" shaped yoke and attached 200' of cheap nylon floating rope.
I am able to put this homemade algae rake in shallow water, walk around to the other side of my pond and slowly clear an 8' wide path. Then I use a garden rake to pull it up on the bank. After it dries, I pulverize it with a mower. I have been surprised at the aquatic life in the algae as I rake it onshore. Lots of little forage fish returned to the pond.
