Marine Fouling and Timber Deterioration in Sub-Oceanic Islands of Andamans

Abstract

Test panels have been set at 5 different sites in nearshore and offshore waters of Port Blair with a view of ascertaining the extent of damage caused by fouling and wood-boring organisms. Port Blair has been found to be a round the year fouling port. As a result of fairly uniform hydrographical conditions, freedom from industrial effluents and proximity to the natural beds of sedentary organisms, fouling growth in Port Blair waters is heavy and comparable to the worst fouling ports in the world. Wood-borers, Teredo, Martesia and Limnoriaoccur almost throughout the year and the damage caused by these organisms is great. The crustacean borer Limnoria, commonly reported from temperate waters, is well established in the waters around Andamans and is a major wood destroying pest. Martesia populations, unlike in many other ports in the world, develop very fast and destroy the most resistant timber varieties in these waters within a short span of time.