FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. - Red algae is a nuisance on our beaches and even keeps tourists away. When it washes ashore it's collected and sent to a landfill. But what if you could use it to improve the environment?

First of its kind, hands-on research is starting right here in Lee County.

Fort Myers Beach usually pays to get rid of red algae but now they're giving it away by the truck load.

"It's just a win-win situation. We're doing Fort Myers Beach a favor and they're doing us a favor," said Martin Price of ECHO.

ECHO Global Farm in North Fort Myers will begin turning a pile of algae into compost.

"How long does it take for the salt to wash out? How bad is the smell going to be. Will it be a compost ready to use? We have a lot of questions," said Price.

ECHO is a non-profit organization that helps fight world hunger by discovering options for farmers struggling in developing countries.

The algae contains nitrogen, an important nutrient for growing and better yet it would be easily accessible for farmers near the shore.

"New material is put into one side and as it's moved from bay to bay the nutrients are mixed up and we will use the algae in this system as one of the new materials, hoping that it will add higher instances of nitrogen in the compost," said Danielle Flood of ECHO.

The idea that our beaches greatest nuisance could be it's greatest natural resource is exciting to ECHO.

"If you get an idea try it. It might fail but it might be a wonderful thing that you can be an example to your neighbors and teach them how to do it," said Price.

You can actually take a tour of ECHO Global Farm in North Fort Myers. They are held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m.