Project No: FRDC 2011/041
There were three main aims of this study:
1) to identify the effect of existing sediment copper concentrations and recommend management guidelines;
2) to identify whether there is the “potential” for sediment copper load to decline (“recover”) and to determine the factors affecting recovery rate: identifying key environmental and ecological factors influencing sediment load (I.e. physical/ chemical and biological conditions;
3) to assess the effect of changes in production and environmental conditions on copper bioavailability; in particular clarifying the effect of sediment disturbance, oxygen increase/depletion and farm practices.
For further information on this project go to the final report: Assessment of the environmental impacts and sediment remediation potential associated with copper contamination from antifouling pain (and associated recommendations for management).