Long-Term Field Monitoring of Biofouling Characteristics in the Yellow Sea off Jeju Island, South Korea

Biofouling on offshore wind farm substructures threatens operational reliability and raises maintenance demands, underscoring the need for effective antifouling strategies. This study presents a 27-month evaluation of fouling development on a conventional non-antifouling coating and self-polishing copolymer (SPC) systems at a South Korean offshore wind farm. Biofouling coverage was assessed through long-term image analysis, and surface energy was characterized via contact angle measurements. Species analyses identified successional communities dominated by barnacles, coralline algae, and bryozoa. The conventional coating showed rapid colonization, exceeding 90% coverage within 10 months, whereas the SPC systems exhibited superior performance by suppressing settlement, though their effectiveness declined over time. Quantitative analysis revealed a clear relationship between higher surface energy and increased fouling rates, highlighting material properties as a key factor in colonization. This study provides one of the first long-term quantitative datasets from South Korean waters, advancing understanding of biofouling dynamics and informing antifouling strategies for offshore wind infrastructure.