Fouling Characteristics: A variety of marine life inhabits the structure 

 including seaweed, barnacles, mussels, seagulls, ducks, and terns. 



Project Analysis: The present problems with the pilings will probably be 



overcome by the operator's attention and efforts to remedy the trouble. 

 With such a large tidal range, the site effectively required such an 

 anchoring system. Unfortunately, a much more severe problem lies ahead 

 due to the fouling growth. Already in 1 year of operation, fouling 

 growth is a moderate problem and inadequate buoyancy a minor one. Without 

 any reserve flotation, the FTB will be dragged under by the barnacles and 

 the mussels in all likeliness. To circumvent this end, the operator will 

 either have to regularly shoot compressed air into the structure or 

 reconstruct the FTB with foam flotation. 



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