Electric underwater tools for sun coral management

• Andrea Piga Carboni ^[1] ; Barbara Segal ^[2] ; Marcelo Crivellaro ^[2] ; Thais Gaino ^[1] ; Arthur Sena Marques ^[1] ; Hélio Valdevieso Catarin ^[1] ; Luiz Appel ^[1]
  1. [1] Underwater Technology Laboratory (LASUB), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Joinville, Brazil
  2. [2] Reef System Ecology Laboratory (LABAR), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, Brazil
• Localización: Mechanics based design of structures and machines, ISSN 1539-7734, Vol. 52, Nº. 12, 2024, págs. 9775-9786
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Sun coral, identified as Tubastraea coccinea and Tubastraea tagusensis, are invasive marine species originally from the Pacific Ocean that have become a significant threat to native biodiversity and ecosystems in Brazil. The rapid growth and unique reproduction strategies of Tubastraea species have facilitated their success as invasive species. In the past two decades, Brazil has experienced a notable loss of biodiversity, partially attributed to invasive species, as reported by the Brazilian Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Current management efforts primarily involve manual removal, often employing sledgehammers and chisels, carried out by environmental government agencies, in partnership with NGOs and volunteers. However, the need for more efficient management strategies emphasizes the important role of engineering and technology in improving environmental management. To address this issue, our work focuses on the development and prototyping of two underwater tools: an impact hammer and a rotating brush. These tools are designed with ergonomic features, operating time, and size considerations suitable for use by SCUBA divers. Our prototypes have successfully met the required specifications and offer potential for large-scale manufacturing, promising more effective measures for controlling invasive sun coral in Brazil.