The result is enhanced nighttime visual detectability of bow waves and wakes of swimmers, periscopes and surfaced and submerged craft. A ship's wake may be visible for 6 nautical miles. Stratified water can be disturbed by tidal or current flow. Due to these waves, submerged craft can experience loss of depth control, and surface craft can experience higher and more chaotic wave heights causing difficult station keeping, underway replenishments and aircraft recovery. These creatures can present a possible hazard to reconnaissance personnel.
Kelp beds can impede special warfare and amphibious operations.