Ecological characteristics of macro-fouling organisms at Yangshan Port

As the hub port of the international shipping center in Shanghai, more attention should be paid on marine fouling at Yangshan Port. In order to better understand the ecological characteristics of fouling organisms at Yangshan Port, this study explored the community structure and development trend using an annual panel test. The investigation spanned twelve months, from March 2009 to March 2010. Nineteen species of fouling organisms were identified, among which Ostrea cucullata,Balanus reliculatus,Membranipora grandicella,Sinoflustra amoyensis,Aspidelectra bihamata,Tubularia mesembryanthemum,Obelia geniculata and Sabellaria ishikawai were dominant species. Most species were cosmopolitan, some were euryoecous which usually present along the coast or near an estuary. Bioattachment occurred throughout the year except winter months, but the main period of settlement extended from June to October of 2009. The mean biomass of fouling organisms on the monthly, seasonal, and annual test panels were 9.20 g/m², 127.20 g/m² and 774.04 g/m². By the analysis of community development and species succession, we found that fouling organisms at Yangshan Port have a unstable community structure and a varied species succession. This trend is closely related to the seasonal variation and increased salinity of Yangshan Port.