Microfouling development on salmon-cage netting in Tasmania, Australia
, was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Temporal changes
and distribution of the fouling microorganisms were documented for the
horizontal netting bars in winter and spring. Diatoms were dominant o
n the upper surfaces of the netting bars and protista on the lower sur
faces. This distribution is considered to be a consequence of shading
of the lower surfaces from light and the abundance of protista is attr
ibuted to high nutrient levels associated with the dense fish populati
on. With increasing immersion time, there was a progression in diatom
communities from prostrate forms to large erect and stalked forms in w
inter, and tube-dwelling forms in spring. Both the rates and the depth
of fouling varied between seasons. Copper-based and silicone-based an
tifoulants effectively delayed fouling development. The former also se
lected for diatom species known to be copper-tolerant. In contrast, th
e silicone-treated netting was colonised mostly by the same species as
the untreated netting.