Research

Lucie Maranda’s areas of interest include: algal blooms, anti-fouling treatments, biofouling, biology, ecosystem dynamics, fouling dynamics, microbial ecology, phytoplankton ecology, and suboxic ecology. In the marine environment, biofouling is the natural settlement of live organisms on solid structures in seawater. Although the process contributes to the productivity of coastal waters, it also leads to the unwanted accumulation of organic material on submerged surfaces that perform better or last longer when kept clean.

In the past, toxic coatings were applied, but their potent indiscriminate attack on live organisms meant that many bystanders were adversely affected, mostly plant and animals living in the water column or on the seafloor in harbors. The development of efficacious but environmentally friendly coatings requires a strong understanding of the biofouling process at different time scales, and adequate testing of experimental surfaces that takes into account the targeted organisms, the structures to be outfitted, and exposure to relevant environmental conditions.

Education

Ph.D. Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, 1987
M.S. Biology, Université Laval, 1975
B.S. Biology, Université Laval, 1972