2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective is to identify cost effective solutions for protecting levees of commercial aquaculture ponds and irrigation reservoirs from accelerated erosion by surface wave action in highly erodible soils of the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) ARS will utilize the hydraulic laboratory facilities of the ARS National Sedimentation Laboratory to construct a physical model of typical levees and conduct tests to research and document the effectiveness of various mechanical treatment alternatives that serve to dissipate wind-wave energy and are cost effective. The data from these tests will be analyzed and compared to the extent possible with performance data from field tests planned by scientists from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. 3.Progress Report The techniques commonly used for large-scale embankment protection, such as rip-rap, are too expensive to be a viable solution for the protection of earthen embankments used to store irrigation water. Vegetation cannot be used because of water level fluctuations imposed by irrigation scheduling. Floating breakwaters can be used to reduce wave energy, and are inexpensive relative to other protection methods. A design for an inexpensive floating breakwater was based on field measurements of wind and wave properties and laboratory experiments that subjected model breakwaters to a wide range of wave characteristics. For FY 2008, work focused on refining field implementation and on continued measurements of the performance of wave barriers in the field. Several methods for constructing and deploying breakwaters were tested in conjunction with the Lonoke, AR, Irrigation District. Another key area of work was defining the difference in measured performance of breakwaters in the field and in the laboratory. This information will aid in providing better prediction of the efficiency of breakwaters in field based on laboratory measurements. Based on laboratory and field data collecting during the course of the project, detailed instructions for designing floating wave barriers based on wind speed, pond size, and desired level of protection have been compiled and will be included as part of final reporting for the project. Monitoring activities were performed through at least quarterly calls with the cooperators. This work contributes to NP201: Problem Area 4--Integrated Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Technologies.