Risk Factors for Fouling Biomass: Evidence from Small Vessels in Australia

Abstract

Invasive marine non indigenous species are a major threat to marine biodiversity. Recreational vessels have been recognised by the scientific community as an 3 important vector of non indigenous species, but have been slow to be picked up by recreational boaters/vessel owners and marina management. In particular, the translocation of invasive species from one region to another (domestically) may be 6 at least partially due to recreational vessels. This paper reports on a statistical analysis of biomass samples gathered from the hull and other external surfaces of recreational yachts and fishing vessels in or-9 der to quantify the relationship between the wet biomass of biofouling and vessellevel characteristics. Unsurprisingly, we find that the number of days since the vessel was last cleaned was strongly related to the wet weight of biomass. The 12 number of days since the vessel was last used was also related to the wet weight of biomass, yet was different depending on the type of vessel. Similarly, the median number of trips undertaken by the vessel was related to the wet weight of biomass, 15and varied according to the type of antifouling paint used by the vessel. The relationship between vessel size, as measured by hull surface area, and wet weight biomass per sample unit area was not significant. 18In order to reduce the domestic spread of invasive species, owners of small vessels (that sit around in marinas/moorings for extended periods between uses in particular) should be encouraged to maintain a regular cleaning and maintenance 21 schedule, and use an appropriate type of antifouling paint.