Why Clean a Dock?

-       Reduce weight on floating structures
-       Reduce decay
-       Reduce risk to patrons and vessels
-       Allow for structural inspection and maintenance
 
Rapid growth:
Oysters and barnacles can establish small colonies between 2-6 months and grow to 3-6” individually. New growth continues to layer on top of old growth over time.

Decay:
Hard fouling species can bore into material and produce degradative waste.
 
Patron risk:
Oysters and barnacles are protected by durable and sharp calcium carbonate shells. 

filter feeders accumulate bacteria and toxins introduced by urban activity. Oysters in the Tampa Bay Area can carry the dangerously infective species Vibrio vulnificus.