Field Assessment of Marine Coatings, Ecological Analysis of Fouling Community Dynamics and Exploration of Encrusting Bryozoans as a Model for Testing Fouling Release Coatings
Abstract
U.S Navy vessels spend long periods at sea or docked in harbors exposed to considerable biofouling pressures. Therefore, ongoing research aims to enhance fouling deterrent coatings, and a crucial aspect of evaluating new coating formulations involves static fieldimmersion testing. In addition, coating formulations are challenged to perform well across diverse ocean conditions and biofouling communities. Therefore, we will pursue five objectives. First, we will continue to assess coatings at our temperate static immersionfield site for contractors within the ONR program as they develop novel coatings. Field testing of marine coatings will consist of exposing test panels to the natural marine environment and assessing: 1) the ability of the experimental coating to deter attachmentof marine organisms; 2) the ease with which attached organisms are removed; and 3) the ability of the coating to remain intact and prevent eventual corrosion of the underlying surface. Second, we will participate in the next iteration of the intersite calibrationstudy to increase our understanding of the importance of static field testing across geographical locations. Third, we will contribute data and assist with analyses exploring which variables (e.g., temperature, salinity, chlorophyll) can be used as predictors of recruitment of fouling species within and among sites overtime. Fourth, we will continue to facilitate evaluations of biofilm community structure on static plates in the water column in Morro Bay to allow comparisons among sites. Last, we collaborate with Shane Stafslien, at North Dakota State University and Sean Craig at Cal Poly, Humboldt to investigate the development of encrusting bryozoans (EBs) as a complimentary fouling assessment model organism and whether EBs adapt to and select specific coatings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412511
Entities
People
- Nikki Adams
Organizations
- Cal Poly Corporation
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy