Why can marine borers limit the use of timber jetties in warm waters?

In the context of civil engineering for harbors and sea works, the use of timber for piled jetties is often limited in tropical, semitropical, or industrially warmed waters due to the presence of marine borers.

These organisms—specifically certain species of mollusks and crustaceans—thrive in warmer aquatic environments and attack submerged wooden structures, such as wharf pilings, causing severe structural damage. While timber is a popular and easily maintained material for jetties, its lack of durability in these specific conditions makes it a less viable choice compared to alternatives like reinforced concrete or steel. Although some tropical wood species possess natural toxic extractives that offer temporary resistance, and preservative treatments can increase durability, the aggressive nature of marine borers in warm waters remains a significant factor inhibiting the use of timber in such marine construction projects.12