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Abstract
This study used a specially designed MAGPLATE system to quantify the en route survivorship and post-voyage recovery of biofouling assemblages subjected to short voyages (<12 h) across a range of vessel speeds (slow, medium, fast; in the range 4.0–21.5 knots). The effect of hull location (bow, amidships and stern) was also examined. While no significant differences were evident in en route survivorship of biofouling organisms amongst hull locations, biofouling cover and richness were markedly reduced on faster vessels relative to slower craft. Therefore, the potential inoculum size of non-indigenous marine species and richness is likely to be reduced for vessels that travel at faster speeds (>14 knots), which is likely to also reduce the chances of successful introductions. Despite this, the magnitude of introductions from biofouling on fast vessels can be considered minor, especially for species richness where 90% of source-port species were recorded at destinations.
Acknowledgements
This research would not have been possible without the assistance of the following: James and Val Brodie (Marlborough Commercial Diving Services) for their tireless assistance in the field and hospitality; the owners/operators of the vessels who participated in the experiments including: Ross Simonson, Peter McManaway, Jane and Graeme Spall, Ian Halstead, Garry Kenny, Willie and Robyn O'Donnell, Interislander and Strait Shipping; Barrie Forrest and Grant Hopkins (Cawthron Institute) for their assistance with the experimental design, data analysis and comments on the manuscript; and the New Zealand Foundation for Research, Science and Technology for funding.