Biosecurity Management of Submarine Niche Areas: the Effect of Water Pressure on Biofouling Survival
Abstract
This study showed that exposure to pressure change has a minimal impact on the survival of common biofouling taxa; however, fouling taxa survival may be adversely impacted by declining local water quality. Survival was evident across all water pressure treatment regimes, although the 48 hour treatment (Trial 3: 130 kPa, 48 hours, 4 pressure cycles) resulted in decreased survival compared to both 24 hour treatments (Trial 1: 130 kPa, 24 hours, 2 pressure cycles and Trial 2: 200 kPa, 24 hours, 2 pressure cycles). Whilst the study resulted in some mortality of the fouling taxa, significant survival of the fouling taxa was still recorded, thus showing water pressure change to be insufficient as a control mechanism. Based on the results of the current study, a sole reliance on the effects of water pressure change during operational diving and surfacing manoeuvres is not recommended as a niche area fouling mitigation strategy for submarines and consideration of other mitigation strategies is required to ensure biofouling is controlled to reduce operational impacts and biosecurity risks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA604764
Entities
People
- Clare Grandison
- Richard Piola
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Group