The presented work describes the hydrodynamic assessment studies of a much needed technical innovation of Sea Based Container Culture (SBCC) as part of a semi-intensive, passive aquaculture culture system for farming the European lobster (Homarus gammarus). Factors that are known to influence growth and survival rates were obtained from previous literature, including flow rate, wave energy and motion characteristics; these factors defined performance criteria for SBCC containers.The internal flow velocities and external flow patterns for different SBCC container designs were measured and used to inform design decisions. Suitable graphical representations have been developed to assess SBCC containers on specific performance criteria. Oyster SBCC containers were found to provide stable motion characteristics but perform poorly against the lower velocity limit, indicating insufficient supply of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) to allow for optimal growth of European lobsters. Internal flow velocities were also measured on unfouled and fouled SBCC containers; results showed SBCC 2 would not provide enough DO with 66% biofouling coverage (66% biofouling replicates one year deployment) and triggered a redesign. SBCC 1 at 90° yaw angle of attack demonstrated all round good performance against upper and lower velocity limits and motion characteristics; thus showed greatest promise for cultivation of European Lobster. angle of attack provide best conditions.  Assessment of motion severity showed a circular container (Oyster SBCC) provides stable motion characteristics.  Normalised comparison provided fair comparison of performance criteria. Keywords

High-Speed planing Craft (HSC) expose their crew to levels of vibration that regularly exceed the daily exposure limit set out by European directive 2002/44/EU. The human exposure to vibration can cause many effects, from chronic and acute, to physiological and psychological. Many reduction methods are currently being researched, such as suspension seats, but Coats et al. (2003) and Coe et al. (2013) concluded that a combination of methods will be required to reduce the level sufficiently to meet the legislation. The highest levels of acceleration occur during the slamming of HSC. This paper describes an experimental investigation to determine whether hydroelasticity can affect the slamming characteristics and Whole Body Vibration (WBV) of a HSC using quasi-2D and full-scale drop tests. The quasi-2D drop tests revealed that hydroelasticity can affect the peak acceleration and Vibration Dosage Value (VDV), and that a wooden hull generated higher magnitude WBV than fabric hulls. The full-scale drop tests were performed on a RNLI D-class inflatable lifeboat. Hydroelasticity was controlled using the internal pressures of the sponson and keel. The full-scale results show that the peak acceleration and VDV can be reduced by decreasing the internal pressures and structural stiffness at the transom and crew locations; however, this lead to an increase at the bow. This indicates that the WBV experienced by the crew can be reduced by considering hydroelasticity. Incorporating an element of hydroelasticity shows great potential, alongside other reduction strategies, to alleviate the human exposure to vibration on board HSC.

6The lack of commercially available low-cost laboratory spraying equipment for testing 7 microbial control agents can hinder advancement in the field of biocontrol. This study 8 presents an inexpensive, portable sprayer that is calibrated utilizing laboratory 9 consumables. The computer aided design files are made available so that it is freely 10 modifiable and can be used for machine routing or 3D printing. Bioassay data was 11 obtained by spraying Myzus persicae with spores of entomopathogenic fungi. Observed 12 variation in droplet deposition within tested pressure and volume settings, and spore 13 deposition within sprayed concentrations were low. Bioassay results show reproducible 14 mortality for the tested doses.15

Innovation in materials and test protocols, as well as physical and numerical investigations, is required to address the technical challenges arising due to the novel application of components from conventional industries to the marine renewable energy (MRE) industry. Synthetic fibre ropes, widely used for offshore station-keeping, have potential application in the MRE industry to reduce peak mooring line loads. This paper presents the results of a physical characterisation study of a novel hybrid polyester-polyolefin rope for MRE mooring applications through a round robin testing (RRT) approach at two test facilities. The RRT was performed using standard guidelines for offshore mooring lines and the results are verified through the numerical modelling of the rope tensile behaviour. The physical testing provides quantifiable margins for the strength and stiffness properties of the hybrid rope, increases confidence in the test protocols and assesses facility-specific influences on test outcomes. The results indicate that the adopted guidance is suitable for rope testing in mooring applications and there is good agreement between stiffness characterisation at both facilities. Additionally, the numerical model provides a satisfactory prediction of the rope tensile behaviour and it can be used for further parametric studies.

Highlights A novel framework for evaluating the effect of external parameters on rearing success of European lobsters in SBCC systems has been presented. Current, wave and turbulent measurements from Cornish waters were used to define external parameters, and internal parameters were predicted from external parameters. Rearing limitations of European lobsters were defined from available literature based on DO consumption and, foraging and mobility behaviours. The framework assessed and optimised the geographical location of SBCC systems, the vertical position in the water column and the SBCC design.