Anchors away? The impacts of anchor scour by ocean-going vessels and potential response options

Authors

Andrew R. Davis, University of WollongongFollow
Allison Broad, University of WollongongFollow
W Gullett, University of WollongongFollow
James Reveley, University of WollongongFollow
Chantel Steele, University of WollongongFollow
Clive H. Schofield, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

108991

Publication Details

Davis, A. R., Broad, A., Gullett, W., Reveley, J., Steele, C. & Schofield, C. (2016). Anchors away? The impacts of anchor scour by ocean-going vessels and potential response options. Marine Policy, 73 1-7.

Abstract

Shipping is critical to global trade and anchoring is a long-held practice for safe and effective ship operations. While it is well established that anchoring or mooring of small recreational vessels has physical impacts on the seafloor and associated biota, the impacts of larger ships on seafloor environments has received little attention. This is, however, an increasingly pressing issue as world trade increases and shipping impacts on valuable yet vulnerable marine environments escalate. Using a case study in south eastern Australia this article highlights the multifaceted issues surrounding the anchoring of large ocean-going vessels. How these activities interact with marine environments is explored, with emphasis on the significant uncertainty surrounding impacts on seafloor biota. Finally, a range of potential response options to mitigate the effects of anchoring are provided.