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The estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) is of critical importance in forensic investigations. This requires thorough knowledge of the decomposition process, with decomposition of remains in terrestrial environments extensively investigated, and aquatic environments largely neglected. In terrestrial environments, entomology is well established as a method of PMI estimation, however in an aquatic environment there are no known predictable necrophages, limiting the use of insects. Common to decomposing aquatic remains, algae may serve as a useful alternative to insects for PMI estimation. This pilot study aimed to examine the use of algae for PMI estimation for remains in confined water bodies, and compare this with the practicality of utilizing entomology in aquatic situations. Pigs were either tethered to cement bricks or allowed to float in individual tubs of fresh water for a period of 1000 accumulated degree days (ADD), with algal species seen to bloom on the piglets successively throughout the trials. Insect appearance was inconsistent across replicates throughout decomposition, potentially as a consequence of seasonality. Overall, entomology was proven an unreliable method in aquatic situations. Algal succession may hold promise as a PMI estimation method in confined water bodies, but requires further investigation and evaluation.

A preliminary evaluation of the utility of insects and algae for PMI estimation in confined, still-water environments