Biochemical composition of biofilms and gastropod grazers; informing biological control efforts from a nutritional perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Considerable interest exists in the development of marine biological control (biocontrol) approaches to biofouling management. For most conceivable applications, the effectiveness of biocontrol at an operational scale is largely unproven, and considerable knowledge gaps and challenges remain. An important consideration for any biocontrol application is whether control agents will persist and remain effective over a reasonable timeframe (months to years). For biofouling management on artificial structures, this will be influenced by the biomass and composition of biofouling communities being consumed by control agents, and their rate of replenishment. Here we review the tissue composition and feeding rates of the gastropod grazers, Cookia sulcata and Lunella smaragda; two species identified as candidates for biocontrol on static artificial structures. The nutritional composition of biofilms is also discussed in consideration of the likely nutritional requirements of these species. Carbohydrates, notably glycogen, long-chain essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, and essential amino acids influence the nutritional value of biofilms and larger biofouling organisms. These components also provide information about energy reserves, reproductive fitness, resistance to starvation, and metabolic requirements of grazing species. This review informs biocontrol approaches using gastropods in marine environments.