Understanding the risk of marine introductions through the biofouling of vessels operating in the remote sub-Antarctic

Vye, Siobhan R.; Gregory, Susan; Belchier, Mark; Morley, Simon A.; Brickle, Paul

Understanding the risk of marine introductions through the biofouling of vessels operating in the remote sub-Antarctic

Vye, Siobhan R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8250-5181; Gregory, Susan; Belchier, Mark; Morley, Simon A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7761-660X; Brickle, Paul. 2025 Understanding the risk of marine introductions through the biofouling of vessels operating in the remote sub-Antarctic. Biological Invasions, 27, 211. 13, pp. 10.1007/s10530-025-03666-6

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Official URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10530-0...

Abstract/Summary

Understanding the risk of introduction of marine non-native species requires data on pathways, including the level of biofouling present on vessels, vessel operating profiles and maintenance regimes. This study presents the first snapshot of the levels of biofouling associated with vessels operating around the sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI), revealing moderate levels of all types of biofouling combined (including visible biofilms) but low levels of macrofouling across the vessels surveyed. Our results add to the body of evidence that suggests that assessing biofouling associated with the upper hull may be indicative of the amount of fouling in niche areas, providing a less resource-intensive approach for future strategic monitoring. Data collected through a voluntary questionnaire to vessel operators indicate that vessels operating around SGSSI are regularly dry-docked, cleaned or inspected, with more than one third cleaned or dry docked in the year prior to the study, indicating that monitoring could be prioritised on those vessels with a longer period between cleaning/drydocking and entrance into SGSSI waters. However, this study revealed no relationship between the level of fouling and commonly used risk indicators, which makes it challenging to develop robust quantitative risk assessment processes for the region. Establishing strategic monitoring of vessels at gateway ports to the region and collecting further data on risk indicators through permitting and licensing regimes would enable a better understanding of the magnitude of risk. To conclude, this study demonstrates that species are being transported through biofouling on a range of vessel types in the region and that the risk of marine introductions could be reduced through ensuring effective biofouling management and strategic monitoring.

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1007/s10530-025-03666-6

ISSN:

1387-3547

Additional Keywords:

Biofouling, Marine invasive species, Non-native species, Vessels, Risk assessment

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment
Marine Sciences

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