Abstract

A novel system was developed to deploy settlement panels to monitor biofouling growth in situ and evaluate antifouling coatings at depths representative of operational conditions of full-scale marine renewable energy devices. Biofouling loading, species diversity, and succession were assessed at depths ranging from 25-40 m at four tests sites in Orkney (UK) featuring extreme wave and tidal current exposure to more sheltered conditions. Evaluations were carried out over a period of 8 months with intermediate retrieval of samples after 3 months. Early pioneer fouling communities, comprised of colonial hydroids, were succeeded by tube-forming amphipods across sites while solitary tunicates dominated in greater shelter. The highest biofouling loading was observed on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) panels (6.17 kg m⁻²) compared with coated steel (3.34 kg m⁻²) panels after 8 months. Distinct assemblages were present at exposed vs sheltered sites. Better understanding of fouling and antifouling strategies may provide guidance to more effectively manage biofouling impacts in this sector.

摘要

开发了一种新系统来部署沉降面板以监测原位生物污垢的增长并评估代表全尺寸海洋可再生能源设备运行条件的深度处的防污涂层。在奥克尼（英国）的四个测试地点，在 25-40 m 深度范围内评估了生物污垢负荷、物种多样性和演替，这些地点的特点是极端波浪和潮汐流暴露于更隐蔽的条件。评估在 8 个月内进行，3 个月后对样本进行中间检索。由殖民地水螅组成的早期先驱污染群落被跨地点的管状片脚类动物所取代，而孤立的被囊动物则在更大的庇护所中占主导地位。没有观察到对高密度聚乙烯的最高生物污损装载（HDPE）板（6.17公斤米^-2）与镀层钢板（比较3.34公斤米^-2) 8 个月后的面板。暴露和庇护地点存在不同的组合。更好地了解污垢和防污策略可以为更有效地管理该部门的生物污垢影响提供指导。