Assessing Efficacy of “Eco-Friendly” and Traditional Copper-Based Antifouling Materials in a Highly Wave-Exposed Environment

Biofouling control on human-made structures and seagoing technologies that minimize environmental impacts is a major focus of research in marine industries. However, the most widely used antifouling (AF) method still copper-based coatings. Some “eco-friendly” approaches are commercially available but have been scarcely tested natural conditions, especially high-energy environments. We conducted replicated long-term field experiment highly wave-exposed, high productivity coastal environment to test three untreated materials maritime industries, two traditional AF coatings, offered as market (i.e., slow-copper release self-adhesive, fiber-covered, skin-like coating). showed biofouling cover biomass increased at similar rates over time among all materials, including AF. The coatings slow-release paint both similarly low richness, demonstrating their efficacy after 12 months field. Although not completely innocuous environment, we suggest this approach more environmentally aggressive copper paints, which aquaculture shipping industries today. further needed whether impact significantly lower than therefore search for non-toxic coating must continue. fortuitous settlement growth sea urchins our experiments also combination biological would be possible should investigated. under different they recommended wave-exposed habitats.