Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{192292,
        author = {Dr.S.Priyanka},
        title = {Natural Biodegradation of Biofilms and Its Management Near Coastal Shipping Ports: Integrating Bioprospecting for Ocean Health},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {9},
        pages = {924-926},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=192292},
        abstract = {Biofilms are structured microbial communities embedded in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) that readily colonize submerged surfaces in marine environments. In coastal shipping ports, biofilms contribute significantly to biofouling, corrosion of infrastructure, increased fuel consumption, and the spread of non-indigenous species. Natural biodegradation of biofilms mediated by marine microorganisms offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical antifouling strategies. In parallel, bioprospecting of marine biofilm-associated microorganisms has gained attention for its potential to identify novel enzymes, metabolites, and bioactive compounds relevant to biofilm control and broader ocean health. This article reviews the mechanisms of natural biofilm biodegradation in port environments, the role of microbial communities, and emerging management strategies. It further highlights the importance of marine bioprospecting as a tool for enhancing biodegradation processes while supporting sustainable ocean stewardship.},
        keywords = {marine biofilms, biodegradation, bioprospecting, coastal ports, ocean health, biofouling},
        month = {February},
        }