0-19 Marine Fouling Observations.— Ma- 

 rine Fouling observations are conducted by the 

 U.S. Naval Oceanographic OfRc« to determine 

 the composition and intensity of marine bio- 

 logical fouling communities in the coastal 

 waters of the world. These observations usually 

 are taken over a 12-month period. Since tem- 

 perature appears to be the principal condition 

 limiting the distribution and abundance of ma- 

 rine flora and fauna, the geographic areas often 

 are selected because they are representative of 

 established biotic provinces, whose boundaries 

 can be defined in terms of sea surface tempera- 

 ture. Also, observations are taken at selected lo- 



cations to determine the effects of fouling and 

 biological deterioration on oceanographic sen- 

 sors or other equipment. 



A long range objective of obtaining marine 

 fouling observations is to develop a capability 

 for describing the life history of derelict objects 

 recovered from the sea, by examination of the 

 attached organisms. Organisms which are found 

 to have a limited horizontal or vertical distri- 

 bution can be particularly useful as indicators of 

 specialized habitats or environment. 



Marine fouling observations are made by ex- 

 posing test panels in coastal waters for specified 

 periods of time. Figure 0-8 shows a test panel 



Accumulation of fouling organisms on asbestos board. 



0-8 



De.struction of white pine board by marine borers. 

 Figure 0-8. Exposed test panel, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 



