Most aquatic plants in the Netherlands are good for nature because they purify the water and promote biodiversity. But for water sports enthusiasts and people with a boat they can cause many problems. “If you get caught in it, it can really be very dangerous,” says De Graaff. “That’s why you wanted good aquatic plants in the right place.”
He developed the app Waterplanten.nu with his company, which shows exactly where the water plants are. Recently, people can also pass on through the app where the plants are. “We quietly launched that position two weeks ago, but hundreds of reports have already been made.”
Satellite images
The company maps the aquatic plants with satellite images and sonar images. This is not only useful for water sports enthusiasts and people with a boat, but also for the municipalities. “They know exactly where to mow. That saves them costs, but that also ensures that no unnecessary water plants are removed.”
There were many more aquatic plants this year than last year on the Gooimeer, as can be seen on the image below.