MARINE FOULING

A comparison of macrofouling assemblages on offshore structures in the North Sea has revealed some similarity in their general characteristics, with a predominance in climax communities of relatively few species, such as the plumose anemone Metridium senile (L.) and the soft coral Alcyonium digitatum L., covering large proportions of the substratum. Specific geographical differences in community composition, diversity and successional development have been identified, however, and these are discussed in relation to environmental conditions and larval dispersal. In practical terms, the conservation of offshore fouling communities depends upon the fates of structures supporting these assemblages. Since the U.K.'s approach to platform decommissioning could ultimately involve the in situ-toppling of structures in sea depths greater than 100 m, there would appear to be little threat to the long-term existence of offshore habitats for deep-water fouling assemblages. Moreover, an abundance of largely uninvestigated habitats for fouling organisms exists on submerged wrecks and other man-made structures. Thus, there appears to be no basis for a conservation requirement in relation to the fouling communities on fixed structures in the North Sea.