The dominance of raphid-pennate diatoms throughout the year indicated them as ideal candidates for antifouling studies. The negligible contribution of araphidpennate diatoms ) and the influence of ty cho-pelagic/bloom forming diatoms on fouling community are the other noteworthy observations. Concern with the adverse impact of Cu pollution on the ecosystem this study recommends the incorporation of Cu alloy (Cu-Ni) in the marine structures to combat biofouling as Cu-Ni has a slower leaching rate of the toxic product such as Cu2O