The same process can be used to test the effect of different substrates and different chemicals on succession . We do have one commercial preparation , a wax called easy net which can be spread on substrates for controlling succession of fouling organisms . There has been a great deal of research by chemical companies and the military into different chemical coatings and materials that can be used to retard organism growth. Slower growth means fuel savings for ship hulls going through water. Tensile strengths of these threads from mussels of different exposures could be compared.
Bull kelp can grow several centimeters a day.
Direct measurement of migration of punched holes in the lamina is one way for this study. Also the translocation of nutrients can be studied by the transmission of weak solutions of radionuclides supplied in one area of the lamina or leaf. Marine algae are also a good source of biogas for energy, can production rates be calculated. There has already been a web site started for Pedder Bay. The contributions from the research of these group four projects will form a valuable addition to this site.