Science Centres: Fisheries

NIWA, in collaboration with Scion and our industry partners, Altex Coating Ltd and Quality Equipment Ltd, is trialling natural anti-fouling products for use in marine paints and plastics.

Current biocides prevent fouling by killing the fouling organisms, and there are concerns, due to their tendency to accumulate in the environment, that they may harm related non-pest species.

However, studies have shown that many non-mobile marine invertebrates, particularly sponges, remain largely unfouled because they release natural compounds that deter settlement of fouling species, rather than killing them. Recognising this potential, NIWA is targeting species that remain unfouled to extract their natural antifoulants and develop a natural solution to the problem of biofouling.

Sea-trials to test 40 antifouling paint and plastic formulations are now underway at NIWA’s Mahanga Bay marine facility in Wellington Harbour. "This site is an excellent proving ground for such products due to the heavy fouling often experienced there," said NIWA scientist and project leader Dr Craig Depree.