How does marine growth threaten structures?

SHELLFISH MATS HOUSE MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES

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TIDAL ZONES & FUNGI

• Fungi thrive where pilings alternate wet and dry cycles.

• These organisms secrete organic acids and powerful enzymes that break down cellulose fibers and lignin adhesive in wood.

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BACTERIAL BIOFILMS & ACIDIC NICHES

• Acid-producing bacteria form biofilms on wood and around fasteners.

• Their metabolism produces localized acidic environments, weakening wood fibers.

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SHIPWORMS & ISOPODS

• Once fungi and bacteria soften the wood matrix, marine borers such as shipworms and isopods can settle easier.

• Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg waters are documented hotspots for Sphaeroma terebrans isopods, which hollow pilings rapidly after microbial weakening.

• The result is wood that can appear solid externally but is structurally hollowed within.

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VINYL PROTECTION

• Wraps sunk into the seafloor to prevent microbial and larval access at the base.

• Full-height, gap-free vinyl barriers starve fungi of oxygenated surfaces.

• Seam orientation away from dock and 316 stainless flush-set fasteners reduce crevices where biofilms establish.

• Documentation and QC close the loop, ensuring pilings are shielded against microbial, fungal, and borer attack.

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LOCAL RISK

• Warm water averages (~72°F) keep microbes active almost year-round.

• Tampa Bay is becoming warmer and fresher, prolonging splash-zone exposure and fungal growth cycles.

• Strong tidal exchange and estuarine gradients maintain ideal conditions for microbial–borer synergy.