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Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Experimental Multiscale Methodology for Predicting Material Fouling Resistance
Vessel Noise Promotes Hull Fouling
Jenni A Stanley1, Serena Wilkens2, Justin I McDonald3
1Leigh Marine Laboratory, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, 349, Warkworth, 0941, New Zealand. ja.stanley@auckland.ac.nz.
Abstract:
Fouling of submerged vessel hulls due to the rapid settlement of algae and invertebrates is a longstanding and costly problem. It is widely thought that the presence of extensive vacant surfaces on vessel hulls is responsible for the rapid attachment and growth of biofouling. We investigated whether noise from vessels in port could also be involved in promoting the settlement and growth of common biofouling organisms on vessel hulls. Three important biofouling species exhibited significantly faster development and settlement and better survival when exposed to vessel noise compared with control species. The extent of these responses appeared to vary in relation to the intensity of the vessel noise and may help to explain differences in biofouling observed on vessel hulls.
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