Biological succession on silicone fouling‐release surfaces: Long‐term exposure tests in the harbour of ischia, Italy

A static test site was set up in the Harbour of Ischia (Gulf of Naples, Italy) to investigate the antifouling effectiveness of newly developed non‐polluting coatings. Two‐year exposure experiments were performed on sets of panels coated with silicone‐based coatings, and results were compared both to sets of panels coated with toxic agents, and non‐toxic epoxydic compounds. Abiotic factors, strength of adhesion of the temporal dynamics of succession of foulers were analyzed throughout the period of immersion. Brown algae constantly represented the “border point”; between the early community, dominated by sume, micro‐ and macroalgae, and the late community, mainly represented by bryozoans and molluscs, as well as polychaetes, sponges and tunicates. Brown algae, such as Ectocarpus siliculosus, tunicates (mainly Botryllus schlossen) and polychaetes (Hydroides elegans, Pileolaria pseudomilitaris) were demonstrated to be key species, triggering the community and influencing its development. Light was the main a...