Evaluating TryMarine and Oase Water Technology in Small Urban Fishing Lakes

1. Background

The Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership (RFHP) is seeking candidate pilot sites for evaluating two water quality treatment technologies—TryMarine and Oase Water Technology—in small urban fishing lakes (1–3 acres).

Urban fishing lakes are important community resources, providing accessible angling opportunities and supporting local outdoor recreation. Many of these lakes experience nutrient‑driven water quality impairments such as algal blooms, low dissolved oxygen, and reduced water clarity. These issues degrade fish habitat and diminish angler satisfaction.

This pilot initiative aims to identify lakes where these technologies can be tested to determine their effectiveness, feasibility, and potential for broader application across the RFHP network.

2. Objectives

Water Quality & Habitat Objectives

  • Reduce nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus, total nitrogen)
  • Improve water clarity and reduce turbidity
  • Reduce harmful algal blooms (HABs)
  • Increase dissolved oxygen stability to support sportfish populations
  • Improve habitat conditions for stocked and naturally occurring fish species
  • Reduce internal nutrient loading from sediments

RFHP Program Objectives

  • Demonstrate scalable tools for improving fish habitat in small urban lakes
  • Support community‑based fisheries enhancement
  • Provide case studies and data for future RFHP guidance
  • Strengthen partnerships among agencies, municipalities, NGOs, and angling groups

3. Eligible Waterbodies

RFHP is seeking site nominations for lakes that:

  • Are 1–3 acres in surface area
  • Are publicly accessible and managed for recreational fishing
  • Exhibit nutrient‑related water quality impairments such as:
    • Algal blooms
    • High turbidity
    • Low dissolved oxygen
    • Excessive organic sediment
    • Odor or aesthetic issues

Priority consideration will be given to lakes with:

  • Documented fish habitat limitations
  • Existing community engagement (e.g., angler clubs, local partners)
  • Potential for long‑term management improvements
  • Support from local or state agencies

4. Information Required for Site Nomination

Nominators should provide the following information for each candidate lake:

  • Site description
  • Watershed characteristics
  • Water quality and habitat conditions
  • Local support and partnerships
  • Site suitability and access
  • Rationale for nomination

(The full form is included in Section 10.)

5. Pilot Project Implementation

RFHP and selected technology partners will:

  • Conduct site assessments
  • Develop treatment plans using TryMarine or Oase Water Technology
  • Coordinate installation or dosing
  • Conduct monitoring
  • Prepare final evaluation reports

Participating site managers may be asked to assist with:

  • Access coordination
  • Basic site observations
  • Community engagement

6. Pilot Duration

Pilot projects will run for 1–3 years, depending on site conditions and treatment type. The duration will include:

  • Pre‑treatment baseline monitoring
  • Active treatment period
  • Multi‑season performance evaluation
  • Post‑treatment assessment

This timeframe allows RFHP to evaluate:

  • Seasonal variability
  • Multi‑year nutrient cycling
  • Fishery responses over time
  • Treatment longevity and maintenance needs

7. Monitoring Requirements

Monitoring will be conducted by RFHP partners and/or technology providers. Monitoring may include:

Water Quality

  • Total phosphorus
  • Total nitrogen
  • Chlorophyll‑a
  • Secchi depth
  • Dissolved oxygen (profile)
  • Temperature
  • pH
  • Algal species identification (if blooms occur)

Fish Habitat & Fisheries

  • Observations of fish behavior or stress
  • Any fish mortality events
  • Habitat condition (clarity, vegetation, substrate)
  • Optional: angler use or satisfaction metrics

A final report will be shared with the site manager and archived within RFHP resources.

8. Site Selection Criteria

RFHP will evaluate nominated sites based on:

  • Severity of nutrient‑related impairments
  • Potential for meaningful habitat improvement
  • Feasibility of treatment implementation
  • Strength of local partnerships
  • Geographic diversity across the RFHP network
  • Long‑term management potential

9. How to Nominate a Site

Submit site nominations using the form below.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on March 23, 2026.

10. Nomination Form

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