• Lakshmi Narayanan
• Prem Anand M

Fouling is the settlement on solid surfaces to the detriment of function. The term “Bio-fouling” describes the accumulation of aquatic organisms such as bacteria, macroalgae, mussels, barnacles and other invertebrates on underwater surfaces. It classifies micro (bacteria and diatoms) and macro-fouling (barnacles, tubeworms, algae, etc.). This study undertakes the bio-fouling study in port anchorage of Kakinada, India. The sample collection was carried out at 17 different parts of the MV TAMARACK, by certified underwater divers collecting the samples for further examination. This study describes the assessment methods, quantitative analysis of macro fouler and their growth level and age determination of dominant fouling organisms. The aim of the study estimates the biological properties of the fouling organisms and the life histories of abundant groups, identifies the associate species, quantifies bio-fouling removal by monitoring the levels and under different environmental conditions, to capture efficacy, which, thereby, provide a solution to a challenge shared among all maritime sectors employing submerged structures where it leads to substantially increased costs and lowered operational lifespans. It can alleviate operations and increases vessel drag, which in turn increases fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. This study could be a support to find out the solution for controlling the population with discovery of antifouling resistant material. The Amphibalanus species and Megabalanus tintinnabulum were the dominant species under the family Balanidae followed by mollusc, crustacean and algae, all of which are distributed globally, hence we could not find out the exact origin even though we could conclude that the favourable environment for these species was tropical/ temperate water zones.

Bio-fouling, age identification, anti-fouling, Kakinada

"A novel approach for quantifying bio-fouling on underwater structures through identification and age estimation of bio- fouling organisms as a mode increase fuel & economic efficiency in shipping vessels", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 9, page no.d213-d230, September-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2109321.pdf

"A novel approach for quantifying bio-fouling on underwater structures through identification and age estimation of bio- fouling organisms as a mode increase fuel & economic efficiency in shipping vessels", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 9, page no. ppd213-d230, September-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2109321.pdf