BIOFOULING iS’a problem for ship operators, fish farmers and anyone else who relies on man-made structures in the sea. It can also lead to the spread of invasive species around the world, with harmful effects for the local ecosystem.An international initiative, the GloFouling Partnership Project, aims to build capacity in developing countries for implementing the Internation Maritime Organisation Biofouling initiative and to help prevent invasive species hitching a ride on vessels.The project states: "Biofouling of cages and nets in finfish aquaculture is a significant operational problem to the sector, resulting in the restriction of water exchange that may adversely affect fish health by the reduction in dissolved oxygen and theaccumulation of metabolicammonia. Biofouling is of further concern because it significantly decreases cage flotation, increases structural fatigue and cage deformation, and may act as a reservoir for pathogens."
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