During both instrument deployments (see Field Program page), the systems were affected by biological and occasionally mechanical fouling. Biological fouling was heavy during the first deployment from October 28, 2003 to January 21, 2004 (see photos below), therefore, during the second deployment from January 29, 2004 to April 23, 2004, all surfaces of the tripod frames, current sensors, and some instrument cases were painted with antifouling paint (Pettit Marine Paint Trinidad Anti-fouling, Cuprous Oxide 65%, Inerts 35%, EPA regulation #60061-49) and (or) covered with panty hose. In general, this was effective at minimizing fouling during the second deployment, but not always (see photos below). Typically data files (see Data File Identifiers and Digital Data Files page) have been truncated when the data begin to be affected by fouling. Some data was retained that only experienced a drift.

Biofouling Photos:

Sites	First Deployment	Second Deployment
Site 1 Tripod	Figure 30. site 1, first deployment	Figure 31. site 1, second deployment
Site 2 Tripod	Figure 32. site 2, first deployment	Figure 33. site 2, second deployment
Site 3 Tripod	Figure 34. site 3, first deployment	Figure 35. site 3, second deployment
Site 4 Tripod	Figure 36. site 4, first deployment	Figure 37. site 4, second deployment
Site 5 Tripod	first deployment not recovered	Figure 38. site 5, second deployment
Site 6 Tripod	Figure 39. site 6, first deployment	Figure 40. site 6, second deployment
Site 7A Tripod	Figure 41. site 7A, first deployment	Figure 42. site 7A, second deployment.
Site 7B Tripod	Figure 43. site 7B, first deployment	Figure 44. site 7B, second deployment
Site 8 Tripod	Figure 45. site 8, first deployment	Figure 46. site 8, second deployment