User:Drehuj/New sandbox

Impacts on Humans
Fouling communities can have a negative economic impact on humans, by damaging the bottom of boats, docks, and other marine human-made structures. This effect is known as Biofouling, and has been combated by Anti-fouling paint, which is now known to introduce toxic metals to the marine environment. Fouling communities have a variety of species, and many of these are filter feeders, meaning that organisms in the fouling community can also improve water clarity.

Invasive Species
Fouling communities do grow on natural structures, however these communities are largely made up of native species, whereas the communities growing on man-made structures have larger populations of invasive species. This difference between the species diversity across human structures and natural substrate is likely dependent on human pollution, which is known to weaken native species and create a community and environment dominated by non-indigenous species. These largely non-indigenous species communities living on docks and boats usually have a higher resistance to anthropogenic disturbances. This effect is sorely felt in untouched native marine communities, as non-indigenous species growing on boat hulls are transported across the world, to wherever the boat anchors.

Fouling communities can help test the ecological effectiveness of artificial coral reefs.