Exploring fishery waste potential as antifouling component

Abstract

Marine biofouling is a global issue with economic and ecological implications. Existing solutions, such as biocide-basedantifouling paints, are toxic for the environment. The search for better antifouling agents remains crucial. Recent researchfocuses on eco-friendly antifouling paints containing natural compounds like enzymes. This study evaluates enzymaticextracts from fishery residues for antifouling potential. Extracts from Pleoticus muelleri shrimp, Illex argentinus squid, andLithodes santolla king crab were analyzed. Proteolytic activity and thermal stability were assessed, followed by bioassays onmussel byssus thread formation and barnacle cypris adhesive footprints. All three extracts demonstrated proteolytic activityand 24-h stability at temperate oceanic temperatures, except I. argentinus. P. muelleri extracts hindered cyprid footprintformation and mussel byssus thread generation. Further purification is required for L. santolla extract to assess its antifoulingpotential activity. This study introduces the use of fishery waste-derived enzyme extracts as a novel antifouling agent,providing a sustainable tool to fight against biofouling formation.