Abstract
We attempt to inhibit the accumulation and proliferation of marine fouling organisms on vinyl plates through
application of a weak electric current via a titanium wire electrode. Plates are set in two sea areas near the
National Fisheries University ; one area is subject to an electric current, and the other area is used as a control.
The experiment was carried out over two periods ; July and August 1998 (2 months) and September to January
1999 (4 months). The electrode was a platinum-coated titanium wire of 0.5mm diameter twisted with a polyethylene
rope. Using solar cell modules and rechargeable NiCad batteries, we supplied a constant current and voltage
during both periods. It is found that an electric current of 20mA at 2.5V is not sufficient to effectively prevent
the adhesion of marine fouling organisms, whereas the application of 50mA at 5V is effective in preventing the
adhesion of bamacles.
