Assessing the Impacts of Marine Biofouling on the Integrity and Stability of Seawalls
Research Topic: (Marine Science- Marine Biofouling) Assessing the Impacts of Marine Biofouling on the Integrity and Stability of Seawalls
Seated in the heart of the Pacific Ocean is a country called the Marshall Islands comprising 30 atolls, adorned with many islets, and 5 islands, which can be divided into two island chains, Ralik Chain and Ratak Chain (Xue, 2001). The Marshall Islands is coastally and geographically unique but also possesses several vulnerabilities to several impacts of climate change. Some of the major ominous impacts threatening the Marshall Islands are sea level rise, coastal erosion, coastal flooding, and coastal retreat (Roland, 2023). These issues are commonly addressed by the guardians of the coastlines, seawalls which are fashioned across the ocean side and lagoon side of the islands. Moreover, one can distinguish there are two different types of seawalls across the islands, the jerry-built structures and the engineered structures. Anecdotal observations reveal many seawalls are facing deterioration. A closer inspection of seawalls reveals the presence of biofouling on these structures. The seawalls are critical to preserving the coastline and the landmass of Marshall Islands however, due to their apparent debilitation the maximum benefits of these defense mechanisms may not be achieved. Marine biofouling may be contributing to the deterioration of these structures, and this investigation is the driving force behind this critical research endeavor.
Research Importance
Satellite image, extracted from Google Earth, of Ajeltake, Majuro, Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands is coastally low-lying and therefore, extremely vulnerable to sea level rise, coastal erosion and coastal flooding (Roland, 2023). It is crucial to understand the potential factors compromising the integrity of the seawalls. Therefore, marine biofouling may play a substantial role in diminishing the structural integrity and stability of the seawalls.
Research in this domain helps contribute to the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies against climate change impacts. Moreover, the seawalls provide coastal infrastructure resilience by protecting inland communities, building infrastructure and livelihoods from high tides, storm surges, and coastal erosion (Xue, `2021). Marine biofouling research helps to contribute to the resilience and effectiveness of these structural defenses. The potential debilitation of seawalls by marine biofouling may result in exorbitant expenses in repairs and maintenance which divert financial resources from priority areas. Research in this area can result in informed decision-making and required resource allocation. Marshall Islands has a deep rich and unique cultural heritage that is anchored in the ocean. Therefore, this research helps protect vital coastal communities and ecosystems and hence, preserving cultural practices and norms. Furthermore, this research supports collaboration with international entities such as academic institutions, scientific institutions, grant agencies, non-government agencies, and donor agencies. The power of collaboration provides a multitude of expertise, knowledge sharing, and resource provision regarding coastal management.
What I Enjoyed Learning So Far?
Engaging in research in this particular area revealed the depth of the interdisciplinary nature of this topic area. Moreover, I relish the opportunity to delve into connected areas of science. Embarking on this journey led me to deeper explore the intricacies and interconnectedness of marine biology, coastal science, coastal engineering and climate science. Furthermore, I am always curious and passionate about learning which fed my enthusiasm for this intriguing research. Problem-solving in environmental science is also one of my pastimes. Engaging in this stimulating research allows me to discover new insights and challenges, compelling me to be creative with conceiving practical solutions to this environmental issue. Let’s not be absent-minded about collaboration. Working hand in hand with stakeholders, experts and people from the community is refreshing and also helps to underscore the power of collective action. Undoubtedly, with partnerships, we can chart a better way forward towards environmental sustainability in this area of research.
Research Linked to Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals refer to a collection of 17 universally applicable goals established to promote peace and prosperity and address a number of global challenges related to sustainable development. The goals include: 1) No Poverty, 2) Zero Hunger, 3) Good Health and Well-being, 4) Quality Education, 5) Gender Equality, 6) Clean Water and Sanitation, 7) Affordable and Clean Energy, 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, 9) Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 10) Reduced Inequality, 11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, 12) Responsible Consumption and Production, 13) Climate Action, 14) Life Below Water, 15) Life on Land, 16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and 17) Partnerships for the Goals (United Nations Foundation, n.d.).
The impacts of marine biofouling on the integrity and stability of seawalls research contributes to the obtainment of several sustainable development goals which are outlined below.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: This research provides further innovative information regarding marine biofouling on the structure of seawalls. Additionally, the research can provide the foundation for more technologically innovative seawall designs and maintenance methods.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Coastal cities and communities are reliant on sustainable coastal defenses to protect against the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Therefore, this research helps with the establishment and maintenance of robust coastal defenses to withstand coastal pressures.
SDG 13: Climate Action: This research helps with the enhancement of coastal adaptation and mitigation strategies for coastally vulnerable regions facing sea level rise, coastal flooding, and coastal erosion like Marshall Islands.
SDG 14: Life Below Water: Marine biofouling can have negative impacts on coastal/marine ecosystems, for example, coral reefs and fish habitat, therefore research in this area helps with impact assessment and relevant sustainable conservation measures.
SDG 15: Life on Land: Coastal ecosystems are connected to terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, cascading effects can be triggered by negative impacts on coastal habitats associated with marine biofouling. This research helps to deepen the understanding of these negative impacts and the provision of conservation recommendations.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The research in this area requires collaboration with key local, and regional stakeholders. The data yielded will be valuable to international agencies with interest in assisting with coastal management in vulnerable regions, such as the Marshall Islands where collaboration is essential.
Marine biofouling is a novel research topic which shows great impacts on the structures or equipment in the marine ecosystem casting economically huge pressures on various industries for prevention and control mechanisms to save those structures. This is a very interesting research topic regarding biofouling impacts on sea wall structures which is highly relevant for Marshall Islands looking into the needs of this small island country and hope to be enlightened by the sharing of the outcome of this research both on national and international level with the research communities.
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