The attachment of an organism or multiple organisms to a surface that is in contact with water for a period of time (think of barnacles and algae, or “scum” if you will…, attaching to the bottom of a boat in the water).  More here.

Biofouling is the the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, or animals on submerged surfaces. Biofouling communities commonly include barnacles, mussels, encrusting mollusks, bryozoans, tube worms.

Process by which unwanted microbial, Plant or Animal materials or organisms accumulate on man-made surfaces.

or biological fouling: Biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae or animals on wetted surfaces. Such accumulation is referred to as epibiosis when the host surface is another organism and the relationship is not parasitic. For more information please see Wikipedia

When living organisms attach to and start living on any object that is submerged in the sea. This is commonly seen as barnacles attached to the hulls of ships or the bodies of whales.

The accumulation of living organisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and invertebrates) on a wetted surface. * '''2007''', Schumacher, James F, et. al., "Engineered antifouling microtopographies [..]