Sustainable Ocean Resources Network

Abstract

Bryozoans are one of the major components of fouling organisms in ship hulls, where ship hull fouling considered one of the major vector for global distribution of non indigenous species (NIS). The present study was conducted in Colombo Port between October 2014 and July 2015. Artificial settlement collectors were used as source of fouling organisms. Highly invasive encrusting bryozoan, Watersipora subtorquata was recorded in two of the eight locations sampled. W. Subtorquata is an encrusting foliaceous colonial bryozoans affiliated to the family Watersiporidae. Zooecia are comparatively large and distinct with numerous pores and distinct mushroom shaped operculum. Their invasion is very significant as they facilitate the dispersion of other invasive organisms providing non-toxic substrates. Moreover, they compete with native bryozoans and other fouling organisms altering native community structure.