Why is hull fouling particularly difficult to combat?

Hull fouling is particularly difficult to combat due to the diverse range of organisms that can attach to a vessel's hull, including barnacles, algae, and mollusks, each requiring different control methods. Additionally, the marine environment presents constant exposure to these organisms, making prevention challenging. Traditional antifouling coatings may degrade over time and can have environmental impacts, leading to restrictions on their use. Furthermore, the economic implications of increased fuel consumption and maintenance costs due to fouling motivate ship owners to seek effective solutions, complicating the issue further.