2009 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 2009, the main accomplishment was completing final reporting for the project. No additional data were collected; however, more detailed analyses were incorporated into a comprehensive project report that was delivered to NRCS stakeholders. The extensive data analyses also led to an improved relationship that can be used to predict wave height from wind speed in small reservoirs. This piece of work was incorporated into the final report and is currently being reviewed for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Monitoring activities were performed through at least quarterly calls with the cooperators.