Montana Based Floating Island International Cuts Lake Methane Emissions by 95 Percent –

Floating Island International, based in Shepherd, Montana, developed recycled-plastic islands that improve water quality and reduce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. This represents a nature-based approach targeting a major source of global warming linked to freshwater wetlands.

The islands oxygenate deep water, fostering methane-consuming microbes known as methanotrophs. Research at the company’s six-acre Fish Fry Lake suggests methane emissions could fall from an estimated 4.4 tons annually to just 5% of that amount. The company received a U.S. patent for its Removal of Aquatic Methane (RAM) technology in April 2025, with independent studies now underway. Discussions are active for an 11-lake methane reduction project in Alberta’s Prairie Pothole Region, signaling potential regional expansion.

As formal research continues, Floating Island International is preparing to scale its methane-reduction efforts beyond Montana.

Given Montana’s abundance of nutrient-rich lakes and wetlands, this technology could offer local industries a way to address water quality and reduce climate risks. The state’s fisheries productivity and natural landscapes might benefit from such biomimicry-based interventions if commercial adoption grows.

Montana company’s floating islands help reduce methane emissions while cleaning water bodies
By Isabel Spartz, KTVH