What are WaterGoats?

Watergoats are a chain of floating buoys anchored across a body of water. Their design allows them to skim the surface of floating trash. The debris will build up behind the watergoat, where crews can easily remove the trash for proper disposal.

How do WaterGoats protect water quality?

There are many ways that trash ends up in our stormwater systems and creeks.  Littering, unsecured loads while traveling, and overfilling trash and recycle bins are common ways items can enter stormwater drains. The earlier you can catch these items, the sooner you can prevent them from breaking down into smaller pieces. Once these pieces become small enough, they are called microplastics and become much more difficult to remove. Little bits of plastic and Styrofoam can be a big problem, as they can often look like food to many shorebirds and fish. Larger pieces of trash can also confuse some lager aquatic species, like otters, sea turtles, and manatees. As debris flows downstream, it will be stopped by the watergoat before it can enter bays, estuaries, and the Gulf.

What is the Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST) WaterGoat Program?

The NEST Program administers Sarasota County’s WaterGoat Volunteer Program, partnering with Keep Sarasota County Beautiful and Volunteer Sarasota County.

Litter removal through community cleanup projects helps maintain Sarasota County local waterways and keep it free of floating trash. To learn more about participating in a WaterGoat cleanup, please complete the volunteer signup form and indicate which WaterGoat location you are interested in.

For more information, visit the Sarasota County Water Atlas.

How can I get involved?

To participate in a WaterGoat cleanup, please complete the volunteer signup form and indicate which WaterGoat location you are interested in.

How many WaterGoats are in Sarasota?

There are 5 watergoats throughout Sarasota County. The locations range from Alligator Creek in Venice to branches of Phillippi Creek in Sarasota.

For the current WaterGoat locations throughout the county, click here.

Are WaterGoats safe for wildlife?

Yes, wildlife can pass safely underneath the watergoat! The netting on the watergoat is removed for easier passage.

How often do WaterGoats need to be cleaned?

WaterGoats need to be cleaned every 1 to 3 months. Areas with higher water flow and more urban landscapes will collect trash more quickly.

Can you recycle what is found in a WaterGoat?

Typically, no, the trash cannot be recycled. Once it enters the water, it becomes too dirty or broken down by the sun and water for the recycling process. It is important to properly discard your waste so that recycling can take place.

What are limitations of WaterGoats?

WaterGoats can only be placed where there is no boat traffic. Kayakers and paddleboarders can pass over the top of WaterGoats.