There are over 4000 fouling organisms found all over the world in marine waters. They can be classified into hard organisms, such as barnacles, or as soft organisms, such as grasses and algae. Biofouling occurs when organisms make the transition from being free-floating planktonic to a stationary lifestyle. They adhere to one another and to any surfaces present. The biofilm gradually becomes more diverse by attracting more organisms through chemical messages.
Underwater environments are ideal for fouling organisms while in both free-floating planktonic stage and in their stationary stage. While they are free-floating, ocean currents carry them to new areas. Once they find a place to settle, ocean currents then bring nutrients and carry away waste. The extent of marine growth however, depends on a range of factors such as location, time of year, temperature, type of material, amount of light and the distance from shore.
Marine biofouling is typically described to have four major stages. When a structure first comes into contact with marine water, it is immediately covered with a thin film of micro-organisms.
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