J. Sesh Serebiah, S. Sarathkumar and R. Moses Inbaraj
Abstract
Biofouling is the undesirable accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, animals on wetted coastal structures. Barnacles, mussels, serpulids, polychaete worms, gastropods, bryozoans, and seaweed together form a fouling community. Other predominant catastrophes are wood borers. The boats and concrete pillars of landing centre of Pulicat were studied for the period of one year. Five square centimeter area was marked for fouling assessment. Wood borers were assessed in submerged decaying wood randomly. A total of four foulers and there wood borers could be collected. Oysters were found to be least dominant on fouling activity. Density of fouling attachment is 26 nos/5 sq. cms and the minimum is 3nos/5sq. cms. Boring organisms varied from 16 to 24 Nos/10sq.meter. Study revealed that most of the boats are wooden traditional boats have had great ecocatastrophy by fouling and boring organisms.