a method for preventing accumulation of organisms on a surface exposed to a marine environment . nano - particles are provided in a water soluble polymer . the nano - particles have a thickness of about 2 nanometers and a major surface area of about 3 microns and are treated by a quaternary ammonium salt . the treated nano - particles are mixed into the water soluble polymer material . this mixture can be applied to the exposed surface . biofouling is prevented by the sharpness of the nano - particles , sloughing of the water soluble material , and biocidal action caused by the quaternary ammonium salt .