Marine biofouling is an increasing problem faced by the maritime industries. This unwanted growth on structures very much
wanted to man such as ship hulls, offshore platforms, seawater pipes, aquaculture cages etc. is causing huge economic and environmental losses to mankind. Ships are the most affected, leading to increased hydrological drag, thereby drop in efficiency, increased fuel inputs and ultimately economic loss and pollution. Biofouling is a cyclic process, starting with the formation of a thin film of conditioned layer, followed by biofilm formation, attachment by invertebrate larvae and spores, and finally leading to the establishment of the hard fouling community. The fouling community is dominated by barnacles, mussels, seaweeds, ascidians and polychaetes. From time immemorial mankind has been trying tirelessly to contain fouling. The most successful outcome of this research was TBT (tri butyl tin), effective against a wide range of fouling organisms and with a lifetime of over five years. But unfortunately, it was not long before this efficient agent was deemed hazardous to the non-targeted marine biota, and a worldwide ban was imposed on it, effective from January 2008. After trying many other not-so successful alternatives such as copper-based paints, paints containing biocides like IrgarolTM etc., man has ultimately realized that the best alternative to this natural problem is nature itself. With this perspective, research is progressing worldwide on the isolation of compounds from marine organisms like sponges, soft corals, seaweeds, ascidians etc. which will be helpful in deterring fouling.