Why bother studying barnacles? Marine biofouling is such a multi-billion dollar problem because attachments on the bottom of the ship causes drag and increased fuel consumption. It is estimated that a supertanker from Saudi Arabia to Los Angeles port would cost an additional 1 million dollars worth of extra fuel if barnacles are present in the submerged portion of the hull. The barnacle, Balanus amphitrite, is the most ubiquitous fouling organism that tenaciously attach to the surface. It is perhaps one of the earliest invasive species since it is present in practically all major ports, around the world, having been a hitchhiker on ocean going vessels for over 3,000 years. To get them off the ship requires expensive dry docking, sand blasting. and re-painting. Prior to the 1990’s, all marine paints contained toxins to kill barnacle larvae before they settle on the bottom of the ship. That use has since been legislated out and the search is on for less toxic biocides and preferably nontoxic paint chemistries or repellents.
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Author: poseidonsciences
