What kinds of organisms are attached to the ships hulls?
Fouling organisms, those species that attach to the hulls of ships, are sessile bottom-dwelling invertebrates, algae, and micro-organisms such as bacteria and diatoms. Fouling communities may include barnacles, bivalves, bryozoans, tunicates and seaweeds – organisms similar to those commonly found on dock pilings. In addition, certain mobile species such as crustaceans, sea stars and worms may also be associated with hulls. Although not attached, they may live within the matrix of the fouling community or inhabit protected nooks and crannies such as sea chests. Fouling communities may contain both native and non-native species. The exact identity of the species attached to the mothball fleet can only be determined by surveying the hulls of the vessels. Generally, fouling communities in freshwater (Suisun Bay is the most upstream portion of the greater San Francisco Bay) are less species rich and have lower biomass than those in estuarine and marine waters.
