Chapter 18. Fouling and antifouling in oil and other offshore industries

Abstract

From Conclusions: 1) “Biofouling assemblages of platforms are typically characterized by a few dominant space-holding taxa. This fouling assemblage can reach tens of centimeters in thickness, with the greatest accumulation generally in shallowest depths and the thickest assemblages occurring on platforms colonized by mytilid mussels. 2) Changes in species composition, biomass and thickness of fouling assemblages occur with water depth creating biotic zones. However, local physical and biological factors influence patterns of zonation such that the depth boundaries of each zone can be variable within and across platforms even within the same region. 3) A major distinction in the fouling assemblage of platforms exists between regions where mussels occur (e.g., California, North Sea, Irish Sea, Adriatic Sea) and regions where mussels are absent (e.g., Gulf of Mexico). A number of physical and biological factors have been postulated to influence platform fouling assemblages within regions, and from inshore to offshore, including light, water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen concentrations, disturbance from storm well, larval supply and species interactions, such as competition and predation. 4) Following installation, the submerged portion of the platform structure is rapidly colonized by marine taxa. Changes in species composition, abundance and biomass of the fouling assemblage over time are influenced by water depth, season, year and other factors…”