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The report examines the role of Netley-Libau Marsh in mitigating phosphorus overloading in Lake Winnipeg. It finds that total phosphorus concentrations in the marsh significantly exceed Manitoba Water Quality Guidelines. The study estimates current phosphorus and nitrogen storage in plants and sediment, suggesting that a 25 per cent restoration of cattail and other marsh plants could increase storage potential by 130 tonnes of phosphorus and 500 tonnes of nitrogen.

The report details pilot-scale trials in Manitoba using commercial agricultural equipment to harvest cattails from highway ditches and wetlands. It finds that while commercial equipment can be used, success is highly dependent on soil moisture and timing. The trials demonstrated that cattails can effectively capture phosphorus, though late-season harvesting reduces the amount of nutrient recovery. Economic analysis indicates that harvesting costs vary by site, with wetland harvesting generally being more productive but posing higher risks of equipment damage and sinking.

The study finds that Netley-Libau Marsh is currently degraded and not functioning as a healthy coastal wetland, with total phosphorus levels in the water significantly exceeding Manitoba Water Quality Guidelines. However, the marsh's cattail communities store substantial amounts of nutrients—estimated at 525 tonnes of phosphorus and 1,965 tonnes of nitrogen—and the report argues that restoring 25% of lost plant communities could further increase these storage capacities by 130 and 500 tonnes, respectively.