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Introduction to Fouling

Marine Bio-fouling

Marine bio-fouling is the undesirable accretion of biological organisms such as bacteria, algae, plant and animal colonies on artificial surfaces immersed in sea-water. There are over 4,000 species worldwide, and marine bio-fouling communities will begin to grow on substrates immediately upon submersion.

Marine bio-fouiling can affect boat hulls, harbour constructions and piers as well as underwater engineering installations such as those used in the oil and gas industry.

The group of organisms that contribute to marine bio-fouling include seaweeds, bivalves, crustaceans and barnacles.

Marine bio-fouiling can be divided into two groups:

Micro-fouling Organisms

Micro-fouling organisms are primarily bacterial and microbial in nature and quickly colonise any substrate placed in seawater. They form part of a sticky coating commonly referred to as a bio-film. Bio-films are a considerable nuisance, accumulating in thicknesses sufficient to obscure marine surfaces and adding considerably to the difficulties of operating subsea. They also provide both a food source and a convenient interface to which the larger organisms, the macro-foulers, can adhere.

Macro-fouling Organisms

Macro-foulers cause additional and even more severe problems for subsea operators. This grouping includes many larger animals and plants that may attach as individuals or in large colonies, such as barnacles, mussels, polychaetes, and various species of bryozoans and hydroids.