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The information contained in these documents is confidential, privileged and only for the information of the intended recipient and may
not be used, published or redistributed without the prior written consent of Wildlife Computers.
Biofouling Overview
Biofouling is the attachment of micro-organisms—plants, algae, etc.—to a surface in contact with
water. Biofouling can greatly inhibit a tag from transmitting a signal to Argos satellites. A bio-fouled
tag will also experience more drag, thereby reducing its hydrodynamic performance.
Researchers should think seriously about antifouling any tag if the study animal is in tropical waters, a
shallow-dwelling or slow-moving species or your deployment period lasts a long time.
Wildlife Computers leaves the decision to antifoul tags after manufacturing and before deployment
entirely to the researcher’s discretion, however we strongly recommend that tags be treated with anti-
fouling paint to ensure the best possible chance of a successful deployment.
Wildlife Computers field tested two antifouling paints with good results in different applications —
PropSpeed and Micron66.
We also offer an optional service to sand, mask, and paint tags with PropSpeed antifouling and coat
the wet/dry sensors with conductive polymer. This comprehensive antifouling service is offered at a
charge of $100 per tag prior to shipping. We do not apply Micron66 anti-fouling paint due to the
hazardous nature of the product. However, it is extremely effective for many applications including sea
turtle tags.
Process Overview
Micron66 has been used successfully for over a decade to limit biofouling on sea turtle satellite
tracking tags. Wildlife Computers has also seen great success in Micron66 limiting biofouling on our
pop-up tags. The following instructions are based on recommendations from the technical
department of International Paints, the Micron66 anti-fouling paint manufacturer.
The process involves one coat of Interprotect primer and three coats of Micron66.
Personal Protective Equipment
The safety guidelines must be followed and the correct personal protective equipment must be
worn for the application of both the primer and Micron paints.
Once painted, tags should only be handled with gloves due to the copper and biocide in the anti-
fouling paint.
