Hi everyone, I’m a researcher working on ship hydrodynamics and biofouling.
We recently finished a study titled "Spatial and Taxonomic Variability of Biofouling on Purse Seiners Moored in Different Ports." We looked at commercial fishing vessels that were essentially clones—same ship type, same antifouling coating, and similar operational profiles.
The results were surprising: despite the similarities, the biofouling patterns (barnacles, slime, algae) were completely different based solely on the specific port they were moored in. It highlights how local environmental factors can override the quality of the paint or the design of the ship.
For the boat owners here: Have you noticed a massive difference in how dirty your hull gets when you dock in different marinas or harbors, even if they are close by?
For anyone interested in here is our publication.
https://doi.org/10.58626/memba.1797303
Posted by RR-OO