biofouler
/ˈbaɪoʊˌfaʊlər/
noun
- An organism or substance that causes biofouling, which is the unwanted buildup of living things (like algae, barnacles, or bacteria) on underwater surfaces such as ship hulls or pipes.
- The water intake pipes were cleaned to remove biofoulers like mussels.
- Barnacles are common biofoulers that attach to the bottoms of boats.
- Scientists are developing paints that prevent biofoulers from sticking to ships.