Aquatic Herbicides Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Glyphosate, 2,4-D, Imazapyr, Triclopyr, and Others), By Mode of Application (Foliar, and Submerged), By Mode of Action (Selective, and non-Selective), By Application (Agricultural Waters, Fisheries, Recreational Waters, and Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 769.98 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.59%
Fastest Growing Segment	Glyphosate
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 1129.22 Million

Market Overview

The Global Aquatic Herbicides Market will grow from USD 769.98 Million in 2025 to USD 1129.22 Million by 2031 at a 6.59% CAGR. Aquatic herbicides are specialized chemical formulations engineered to selectively control or eliminate excessive aquatic vegetation, including submerged, floating, and emergent weeds, in water bodies such as lakes, reservoirs, and irrigation channels. The market’s expansion is primarily propelled by the escalating biological threat of invasive plant species that disrupt ecosystem balance and obstruct essential water infrastructure utilized for transport and agriculture. According to the Aquatic Plant Management Society, in 2025, unchecked aquatic invasive species such as hydrilla and Eurasian watermilfoil threatened to spread across an additional 5 to 7 million acres in the United States, highlighting the urgent demand for effective management interventions.

However, the industry faces a significant impediment in the form of stringent regulatory frameworks governing chemical applications in water environments. Environmental agencies globally enforce rigorous safety standards to protect non-target organisms and drinking water quality, resulting in lengthy and costly approval processes that can delay product commercialization and restrict market access for new herbicide formulations.

Key Market Drivers

Supportive Government Initiatives for Invasive Species Management serve as a foundational driver for the market, as public agencies worldwide increasingly mandate and finance the control of non-native vegetation to preserve water resources. Governments are establishing robust funding mechanisms to combat biological threats that impede navigation and degrade water quality, directly translating into sustained procurement orders for aquatic herbicides. These initiatives provide the necessary capital for large-scale application projects in public lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, October 2024, in the 'State of Florida Land Management Uniform Accounting Council 2024 Annual Report', the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission expended approximately $10.9 million specifically for managing aquatic plants in public waterbodies during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Technological Advancements in Herbicide Formulations and Precision Application are simultaneously accelerating market growth by improving treatment efficacy and environmental safety. Innovations in chemical engineering and digital diagnostics, such as satellite-guided application, allow for the precise targeting of invasive weeds while minimizing the volume of product required and reducing impact on non-target species. This enhanced precision encourages the adoption of chemical controls in sensitive ecosystems where traditional methods were previously deemed too risky. According to SePRO Corporation, July 2025, in its inaugural 'Sustainability Report', the company restored approximately 1.4 million acres of aquatic and terrestrial environments in 2024 using its advanced solution portfolio. This trend of high-tech management is mirrored in broader public sector activities; according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, November 2024, in the 'Invasive Species 2024 Annual Report', state expenditures on invasive species activities totaled $6.2 million during fiscal year 2024, reflecting the ongoing investment in effective control measures.

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Key Market Challenges

The Global Aquatic Herbicides Market faces substantial hurdles due to stringent regulatory frameworks and the escalating costs associated with compliance. Because these chemical formulations are applied directly to water bodies used for drinking, irrigation, and recreation, environmental agencies enforce safety protocols that are often far more rigorous than those for terrestrial agriculture. This intense scrutiny necessitates comprehensive toxicological studies and long-term environmental impact assessments, resulting in prolonged approval lifecycles. These delays create a significant bottleneck, preventing manufacturers from swiftly launching new formulations required to address emerging weed resistances and shifting invasive species patterns.

Furthermore, the sheer financial burden of regulatory maintenance discourages investment in this niche sector. High compliance fees systematically erode profit margins, making it difficult for companies to justify the research and development expenses required for new aquatic products compared to broader agricultural chemicals. This financial strain is evident in recent industry shifts regarding maintenance costs. According to CropLife Canada, in 2025, proposed regulatory amendments sought to increase post-market fees for maintaining pesticide registrations by up to seven times the rates found in the United States. Such prohibitive costs directly reduce the commercial viability of developing specialized aquatic herbicides, thereby stifling market expansion and innovation.

Key Market Trends

The Development and Commercialization of Bio-Based Aquatic Herbicide Formulations is emerging as a critical trend as the industry seeks to mitigate the ecological footprint of vegetation management. Manufacturers are prioritizing the synthesis of active ingredients derived from naturally occurring compounds, such as peroxyacetic acid, which offer rapid degradation profiles and reduced toxicity to non-target aquatic life compared to persistent copper-based alternatives. This innovation aligns with the growing demand for environmentally sustainable solutions in drinking water reservoirs and recreational lakes. According to BioSafe Systems, June 2025, in the 'HAB Management with Early Proactive Treatment' case study, the application of a peroxyacetic acid-based formulation in a Northeastern U.S. reservoir resulted in a 60% increase in non-target organism survival while effectively suppressing harmful algal blooms.

The Widespread Implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies is reshaping market dynamics by encouraging the combined use of chemical, biological, and physical control methods. Rather than relying solely on chemical eradication, resource managers are adopting holistic protocols that utilize herbicides as part of a broader toolkit to address resistance issues and enhance long-term ecosystem resilience. This strategic shift is increasingly supported by state-level programs that finance multi-faceted control projects. According to the Michigan Water Stewardship Program, March 2025, in the 'MI Grant Funds Invasive Species Control' article, the state announced $3.6 million in funding for 32 projects that integrate various management techniques to address aquatic and terrestrial invasive species.

Segmental Insights

The Glyphosate segment identifies as the fastest growing category in the Global Aquatic Herbicides Market due to its proven efficacy against invasive emergent and floating weeds. This systemic herbicide is widely utilized because it penetrates plant tissues to destroy root systems, effectively preventing the regrowth of persistent species like water hyacinth. Its adoption is further supported by continued approval for aquatic use from regulatory bodies such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Consequently, municipal and private water managers increasingly select glyphosate based formulations for their broad spectrum performance and cost efficiency in vegetation management.

Regional Insights

North America commands the leading position in the Global Aquatic Herbicides Market, driven by extensive agricultural operations and a strong commitment to water resource management. The region actively combats invasive plant species to preserve biodiversity and ensure the navigability of waterways for recreational and industrial use. This market strength is reinforced by clear regulatory frameworks from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which sanction effective and environmentally responsible herbicide applications. These factors, combined with a mature aquaculture sector, ensure North America remains the central hub for aquatic weed control solutions.

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, SePRO Corporation acquired Resolve Hydro, a firm specializing in satellite-based diagnostics for harmful algal blooms and invasive aquatic vegetation. This strategic acquisition was part of a broader initiative to expand the company's digital water management capabilities, following the earlier integration of other technology firms. The collaboration aimed to leverage advanced data analytics and remote sensing to provide precise, real-time insights for water quality restoration. By incorporating these diagnostic tools, the company enhanced its ability to deliver comprehensive, science-based solutions for managing complex aquatic ecosystems and protecting water resources.
• In October 2024, UPL Ltd. obtained state registration in California for its Top Deck aquatic herbicide, enhancing its environmental solutions portfolio. The approval allowed the product to be used for the control of floating, emerged, and submerged aquatic weeds, including invasive species such as water hyacinth and cattails. This development offered applicators a versatile alternative to existing treatments for managing vegetation in lakes, ponds, and irrigation canals. The company emphasized that the herbicide provided effective weed control with excellent safety profiles, featuring no restrictions for fishing, swimming, or livestock consumption after application.
• In August 2024, BioSafe Systems received registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for SaniDate 12.0, a new water treatment solution. The product was launched as a powerful tool for controlling algae and bacterial pathogens in agricultural irrigation water, addressing critical water quality concerns. Formulated with peroxyacetic acid, the chemistry was designed to eliminate harmful contaminants such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella without leaving toxic residues. This introduction provided growers and water managers with an advanced method to ensure the safety and cleanliness of water resources used in food production systems.
• In July 2024, SePRO Corporation, a leading provider of aquatic plant management solutions, announced a strategic majority investment from Stanley Capital Partners. This collaboration, which also involved Goldman Sachs Alternatives as a minority co-investor, was designed to accelerate the company’s growth initiatives and innovation in the water restoration sector. The investment enabled the organization to further develop its portfolio of technologies for controlling invasive aquatic weeds and improving water quality. This partnership marked a pivotal step in expanding the company's capabilities to serve customers in the aquatics, sports turf, and professional landscape markets.

Key Market Players

• BASF SE
• Dow Chemical Company
• Syngenta AG
• Nufarm Limited
• Lonza Group
• Land O'Lakes, Inc.
• UPL Limited
• Element Solutions Inc.
• SePRO Corporation
• Albaugh LLC
• Stepan Company

By Type	By Mode of Application	By Mode of Action	By Application	By Region
Glyphosate 2 4-D Imazapyr Triclopyr Others	Foliar Submerged	Selective non-Selective	Agricultural Waters Fisheries Recreational Waters Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Aquatic Herbicides Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Aquatic Herbicides Market, By Type:

• Glyphosate
• 2
• 4-D
• Imazapyr
• Triclopyr
• Others

• Aquatic Herbicides Market, By Mode of Application:

• Foliar
• Submerged

• Aquatic Herbicides Market, By Mode of Action:

• Selective
• non-Selective

• Aquatic Herbicides Market, By Application:

• Agricultural Waters
• Fisheries
• Recreational Waters
• Others

• Aquatic Herbicides Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE