Transported biofilms and their influence on subsequent macrofouling colonization

Abstract

Biofilm organisms such as diatoms are potential regulators of global macrofouling dispersal because they ubiquitously colonize submerged surfaces, resist antifouling efforts and frequently alter larval recruitment. Although ships continually deliver biofilms to foreign ports, it is unclear how transport shapes biofilm microbial structure and subsequent macrofouling colonization. This study demonstrates that different ship hull coatings and transport methods change diatom assemblage composition in transported coastal marine biofilms. Assemblages carried on the hull experienced significant cell losses and changes in composition through hydrodynamic stress, whereas those that underwent sheltered transport, even through freshwater, were largely unaltered. Coatings and their associated biofilms shaped distinct macrofouling communities and affected recruitment for one third of all species, while biofilms from different transport treatments had little effect on macrofouling colonization. These results demonstrate that transport conditions can shape diatom assemblages in biofilms carried by ships, but the properties of the underlying coatings are mainly responsible for subsequent macrofouling. The methods by which organisms colonize and are transferred by ships have implications for their distribution, establishment and invasion success.

Keywords:

• Biofilms
• diatoms
• macrofouling recruitment
• hull fouling
• shipping
• invasive species

Acknowledgements

The authors thank W Battin, H Gardner, H Kolb, K Lieberman, X Ma, E Ralston, R Sanderfur, A Seery and A Virgilio for assisting in the laboratory and field. Special thanks go to A Stephens for directing the coating application, installing on-board testing equipment and piloting the vessel. The authors would also like to acknowledge the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce and Port Sanibel Marina for providing deployment locations and other logistical support. They appreciate the advice of J Trefry and J Shenker during project development.