Biofouling development in marine fish farm influenced by net colour, immersion period and environmental conditions

Biofouling poses low productivity and high maintenance in aquaculture. This study simulated the nets of fish cages to investigate biofouling composition and development as influenced by net colour, immersion period and environmental conditions. Yellow and green net panels were immersed for 60 days and sampled at 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. Results revealed that biofouling composition was dominated by Bryozoan Bugula sp. (31%–38% cover), tanaids Tanaidae (64–146 individuals.100 cm‐2) and nematodes Linhomoeidae and Oncholaimidae (142–189 individuals.100 cm‐2). Biofouling development was observed in succession patterns of harpacticoid–nematode–amphipod–tanaid in yellow nets and amphipod–nematode in green nets. Water velocity within the cages significantly and positively influenced the total cover, biomass and the densities of amphipods, bivalves, polychaetes, fish eggs and bryozoans. Polychaetes, gastropods, fish eggs and macroalgae were present in green nets and absent in yellow nets at 7 days. Uniformity of biofouling assemblage in both net colours was observed beyond 7 days which may be largely explained by brown biofilm formation. The result of the study revealed the dynamics of biofouling in a marine fish farm and provides vital information for developing strategies in biofouling management to lessen its impacts.