US Navy Seeks Help from HKUST Biologists

Abstract

[evdate 1995-09-19] For Immediate Release 19 September 1995

US Navy Seeks Help from HKUST Biologists

Biologists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology recently joined forces with researchers around the world to protect ocean going vessels from the costly trouble caused by marine bio-fouling communities. normal Marine animals like barnacles can cling to boat surfaces, affecting the sailing of ships. Each year, the American government spends millions of its dollars on scraping marine organisms from the hulls and bottoms of its fleet and repainting. The U.S. Navy has been exploring the development of a non-polluting anti-fouling marine paint which is both environmentally friendly and effective in repelling undesirable visitors. Researchers from different parts of

the world have been invited to test new paints and collect data about the kinds of marine animals in different bodies of water. Professor Fu-Shiang Chia from HKUST's Department of Biology is the principal investigator of a $1 million, 3-year project to analyze the kinds of organisms native to the South China Sea. Marine paint has evolved over the past decades. Years ago, mercury, copper and tin were used as ingredients in the paint to help kill the animals. However, the paint polluted the environment. Recently, silicon has replaced the toxic ingredients, but the effect is still far from ideal. "The ideal paint must be environmentally friendly, repelling the initial attachment of fouling organisms, and in the meantime it is too slippery for organisms to settle on firmly. Moreover, this paint must be applicable to every ocean," says Professor Chia. HKUST's proximity to the sea facilitates its research. Rafts will be constructed and painted steel panels will be submerged into the sea to test their effectiveness. "What we can do here is to collect data about the marine fouling activities in this region. The information will be an extremely helpful reference for the development of such a paint." (Direct enquiries to the Office of Public Affairs at 2358 6320 or pager 1163388 call 2652)