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Hydroids on aquaculture constructions in Norway (HYDROFOUL)

Tildelt: kr 6,0 mill.

Marine biofouling is the undesirable accumulation of organisms on submerged surfaces. Biofouling poses a major problem for the aquaculture industry, because of its negative effects on farm constructions and operations, fish welfare, and the effects of cur rent antifouling solutions on the environment. The control and regular removal of biofouling from aquaculture infrastructure is essential and costly in terms of labour and equipment. More research is needed to investigate hydroids, the most dominant fouli ng organisms on aquaculture constructions in Norway, and their associated effects, and develop strategies to improve farm constructions and operational efficiency. This objective will be achieved through the integration of the research disciplines of biol ogy, materials science and hydrodynamics. The specific objectives of the project are to investigate: (1) the effects of hydrophobicity and topography of novel surfaces on the settlement and growth of hydroids; (2) the effects of hydroids on the solidity a nd drag forces acting on aquaculture constructions; and (3) the effects of hydroids on the flow dynamics and oxygen distribution in aquaculture constructions. The results of the research project are foreseen to give the Norwegian aquaculture industry a co mpetitive advantage and added value through improved farm constructions and operational efficiency and ensure acceptable fish welfare standards. The results will also facilitate the development of novel and environmentally sustainable antifouling strategi es for the rapidly growing aquaculture industry in Norway. Strengthened knowledge and improved solutions for the control of biofouling will help secure a better environmental profile for the production of seafood and meet expectations from consumers.

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HAVBRUKS-Havbruk - en næring i vekst