Biofouling is one of the main concerns while farming fish:

• It causes mesh to get blocked, causing lower water exchange levels and a drop in oxygen levels. This causes lower food conversion ratios or even loss of stock.
• Hard fouling organisms have sharp edges, therefore netting materials wear out more rapidly.
• Blocked mesh show increased drag, therefore stronger materials are needed and extra balance weight is required to keep the nets in shape.
• fouled cages need to be replaced or cleaned frequently, increasing work load of farm personnel.