Nature inspired marine antifouling solutions
Watch the video voiced by doctoral candidate Joe Rawlinson, which describes the problem of marine biofouling, existing control options, and nature-inspired antifouling solutions.
Biofouling formation and NIS recruitment on bio-polymers augmented with oyster shells
The results of our recent experimental study suggest that bio-based polymers and composites with increased potential for biodegradability, recyclability, and aptitude for the selective recruitment of marine invertebrates might offer a sustainable alternative to conventional polymers.
Biological control (biocontrol) in our marinas – making it a reality
Learn why our scientists design Japanese obstacle courses for predatory snails and investigate nutritional value of marine biofouling.
Where do mussels like to call home?
To find out what features of the reef attract mussels, we dropped baby green-lipped mussels on several types of 3D printed tiles representing rocky reef structures in seawater tanks and saw where they went. This experiment will help us designing eco-engineered structures that would give this native species a competitive advantage over invasive species on artificial structures.
The increasing issue of coastal hardening and its associated socio-economic risks
We mapped coastal hardening associated with 30 international urban centres and, using machine-learning algorithms, developed a model to forecast the regional expansion of 4 globally common coastal infrastructure types. We applied this model to New Zealand for anticipating regional distributions and future hotspots of socioecological risks over a 25-year period.
A review on managing biofouling on submerged static artificial structures in the marine environment
This review and synthesis collates the range of methods and tools that exist or are emerging for managing biofouling on submerged static artificial structures for a variety of sectors, highlighting key criteria and knowledge gaps that affect development, and uptake to improve operational and environmental outcomes.
Continuous bubble streams for controlling marine biofouling on static artificial structures
An open-access peer-reviewed publication describing a series of laboratory and field trials that examine the efficacy of continuous bubble streams in maintaining artificial substrates free of macroscopic biofouling and demonstrating that this treatment approach is effective on surface types commonly used in the marine environment.
Eco-engineering to enhance valued native species on artificial structures
Learn about PhD project of Dayanitha Damodaran, investigating the habitat requirements of the endemic, green-lipped mussel. Her work will help in designing eco-engineered artificial structures that will encourage settlement of this culturally and economically valued species.
Understanding habitat features of native mussel reefs
Our project is making a start using the endemic, green-lipped mussel (kutai) to develop artificial surfaces that are attractive to native species and make them want to settle and stay for the long haul. Such surfaces can then be incorporated into coastal infrastructure, a process referred to as ‘ecological engineering’.
Crack open the bubbles – it works!
Our recent experimental trials demonstrate that bubble streams are highly effective in controlling biofouling accumulation on experimental surfaces, and we are now keenly focused on developing operational systems to deploy in New Zealand’s ports and marinas