Efficacy of acetic acid treatments in the management of marine biofouling

摘要: Abstract The expansion of artificial habitats and aquaculture activities in coastal environments has been accompanied by an increased demand for tools to mitigate the effects biofouling pests. One approach is manage anthropogenic pathways prevent spread established pest organisms uninfected localities that are beyond their natural dispersal capacity. This paper describes efficacy acetic acid treatments against a variety cosmopolitan fouling taxa, evaluates potential application treatment foulers transported with movements shellfish seedstock between mussel farming areas New Zealand. Laboratory field experiments demonstrated immersion 4% (in seawater) as little 1 min can eliminate many soft-bodied organisms, lower concentrations requiring longer times. were enhanced when combined 24-h air exposure phase simulate inter-regional transport seedstock. We demonstrate it possible cost-effectively treat mussels majority problematical without resulting significant adverse stock either by: (i) followed rinse remove residue before transport, or (ii) at end phase. A concentration equivalent content domestic vinegar, hence does not represent environmental occupational risk provided appropriate measures put place handling waste disposal. Acetic remain stable over time presence organic matter, but may change during repeated use solutions. To ensure criteria being achieved, determination levels be made using simple titration-based approaches. Because apparent buffering effect case sequential immersion, pH could used estimate this instance, provide reliable field-based indicator other treatments. Further work refine method should seek maximise ‘window’ mortality survival, assurance high-risk species eliminated minimal on Where completely effective all result unavoidable mortality, decisions about whether apply them must balance costs benefits unmanaged risks consequences incursion.