Effective antifouling agents should disrupt the lifecycle of fouling organisms, and thus prevent their accumulation and growth on the surfaces they protect, while not impacting the environment.

One of the most effective approaches is using a co-biocide (algaecide) in combination with a strong antifouling agent, which is effective against soft fouling organisms, thus, in combination with cuprous oxide for example, which is effective against hard fouling organisms will offer a broad-spectrum activity and effective protection.