THE second wave of a Swan River Trust investigation into erosion of the Swan River bank caused by boat wash started last week. The work follows studies carried out in 2009 and pub lished in the “Investigation into the Effect of Wash of Boats and Wind Waves on the Swan River” report. The report found that erosion and damage to wildlife habitats would be dramatically reduced by lower boat speed limits. Curtin University’s Cen tre for Marine Science and Technology researchers will verify the report’s re sults by measuring the wake from both recreation al as well as commercial vessels. The backwash from Rot tnest Island ferries, alu minium and fibreglass recreational boats and the Trust vessels will be measured. Trust riverpark manager Chris Mather said ferry operators and Boating Industry Association of WA’s support boosted the project. “It also indicates a strong awareness of issues around boat wash for their industry and members, and their commitment to the ongoing health of the river,” he said.
Awash with consequences...Curtin University and the Swan River Trust research are investigating the effect of boat wash on the river’s banks.
