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NZ scientists discover link between marine pests and noise - Source: ONE News -
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A New Zealand study is set to help the shipping industry save millions of dollars.
Scientists have discovered that a noisier vessel or port is more likely to attract unwanted sea pests.
Biofouling is one of the most significant issues for marine invasive species in New Zealand and the study is believed to be the first of its kind.
Scientists using an underwater laboratory have been taking samples of mussels, barnacles and other slippery gunk growing on the hulls of vessels.
Serena Wilkens led the research team, which used an underwater microphone to record the low-frequency hum created by the generators ships use while in port.
She said they replayed the noise back in the laboratory to mussel larvae and found the larvae exposed to the vessel noise were settling and attaching to surfaces about 40% faster than larvae that were not exposed to the vessel noise.
When organisms attach to a hull they create significant drag on a vessel which means more fuel needs to be used, increasing the cost for boaties. But it's expensive to clean vessels.
The problem is a significant biosecurity threat, with two thirds of introduced species in New Zealand having hitchhiked on vessels.
"Those organisms, when introduced to new environments, can have significant impacts... they could decimate recreational shellfish beds or commercial activities," marine science adviser Andrew Bell said.
And the implications are potentially global, with governments already planning to introduce new border rules to minimise the risks.
"It may be that ships in port possibly run on land-based power, rather than generator power," said Wilkens.
The scientists are now testing different underwater sounds and other species.
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