Computer image processing and automatic counting and measuring of fouling organisms

The purpose of this study was to optimize the counting and measuring of marine fouling organisms on experimental panels using automated computer techniques. A script was developed that reduced the time required for the counting and measuring of marine fouling tubeworms by at least one order of magnitude over manual counts, with an error of five percent or less. Small, distinct tubeworms can be successfully counted by computer using a correction factor. Measurements of percentage cover or area should be made with larger tubeworms that have overlapping tubes.