The Red River Waterway Commission has approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, to research and test the university's recently developed endocide method to control and eradicate the spread of giant salvinia.

The Town Talk reports research will be performed at the Red River Waterway Aquatic Research Center located at Lock & Dam #3 near Colfax, La.

Giant salvinia is a growing problem that affects area waterways, including the Red River. It is one of the most invasive aquatic plants that dominate water bodies by overgrowing and replacing native plants that provide food and habitat for animals and waterfowl.

The plant can block out sunlight, leading to unhealthy aquatic ecosystems and a decreased quality fishery.

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