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Bubbles

Could bubbles be the answer in the fight against biofouling?

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A trial to see if bubble diffuser boat berths can tackle biofouling below boats is receiving positive results.

The project is set up at Waikawa Marina in the Marlborough Sounds, where Cawthron researchers are looking at the ways in which bubbles can prevent biofouling organisms from attaching to underwater structures including boats and marinas.

It’s part of the MBIE-funded Marine Biosecurity Toolbox research programme, and is bringing in brilliant results by generating bubbles in short bursts.

Although a natural occurrence in marine environments, biofouling in marinas significantly increases the chances of spreading invasive pests and species, as there are more areas for plants, algae, and other small animals to attach to.

Healthy Oceans Manager Dr Grant Hopkins is leading the research and in a recent interview with Stuff said he was pleased with the results so far.

He also acknowledged councils across the country that are tightening rules around fouling levels on boats.  

“Pontoons and marina structures themselves tend to have a lot of biomass on them, So it’s pretty hard for boaties to be asked to clean all their hulls when the structures are dirty to start with”  

So, could bubbly berths be the answer? Watch this space. 

For more information visit Cawthron's research page here.