Effects of Fouling Organism in Aquaculture

Abstract

Plants or animals that live adhering to the surface of the materials in the water are known as fouling organisms. Aquaculture fouling, also known as biofouling, is a major issue that results in damage, disease, and other challenges for the aquaculture farm. The impact of fouling organisms on shellfish culture is physical damage to the culture system, biological competition, and environmental modification, whereas in finfish culture, water conditions are affected and water exchange is restricted, increasing disease risk and causing deformation of cages and structures. Different forms of fouling organisms exist. Barnacles, hydroid, bivalves, polychaetes, and sponges are all frequent creatures. There are numerous controls in place to mitigate the effects of fouling organisms. Physical removal, biological control, the use of protected equipment, net change and frequent cleaning, and the use of antifoulant are all common steps.