A control plate (left)  fouled by C. intestinalis vs a siloxane plate (right) with reduced fouling.

Biofouling, or the growth of organisms on man-made surfaces, affects many industries: food production, oil and gas, and shipping, among many others. As part of the StFX Centre for Biofouling Research, we are exploring novel non-toxic options for reducing biofouling, particularly focused on cold water marine habitats. The WyethLab’s role is primarily involved in field surveys of biofouling and field tests of candidate coatings that may reduce biofouling.  We also partner with industry members to collaborative test commercial coatings.

Our projects include:

• environmental factors affecting invasive fouling tunicates; past collaboration with Dr. Cory Bishop, Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, DFO
• testing novel siloxane-based coatings; collaboration as part of StFX Centre for Biofouling Research
  doi:10.1016/j.marenvres.2016.02.015
• testing ultraviolet light as an antifoulant; initiated by a collaboration with AML Oceanographic
• testing non-toxic antifoulant coatings with potential for use in aquaculture; past collaboration with Waycobah First Nation
• testing non-toxic antifouling coatings based on graphene that can increase durability; collaboration with Graphite Innovation & Technologies