WILDERNESS CRUISING: TURBULENCE, CRUISE SHIPS, AND BENTHIC COMMUNITIES

This article examines the potential impact on fragile benthic marine biota from the turbulence created by the passage, maneuvering, and anchoring of a cruise ship. It is based on research undertaken to determine whether small, expedition-style cruise ships should be permitted to enter parts of Bathurst Channel within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Australia. Instead of characteristics such as ship length, draft, and tonnage, a model was developed that utilized a series of variables to more accurately predict ship turbulence and potential impacts. The model was partially validated in “real size” and is now integrated into the permit process to determine whether a specific cruise ship may enter the pristine and sensitive area of Bathurst Channel.