［Objective/Significance］To address the problems of water flow blockage，flow rate reduction，and fouling corrosion caused by freshwater organisms such as mussels attaching to thestructural surface of hydropower water passages，and to provide technical guidance for improving theoperational safety and economic efficiency of hydropower facilities.［Analysis/Discussion/Progress］ This study systematically explored the types and mechanisms of aquatic organism attachment infreshwater，as well as the differences compared with marine environments. The fouling attachment process，characteristics of organisms，and their hazards to hydropower projects were analyzed. Themainstream antifouling technologies including mechanical removal，biocides，biology，and materials science were reviewed. The application effectiveness and selection criteria of different antifouling coatings were evaluated based on international engineering cases. Freshwater organisms cause severefouling through complex mechanisms such as electrostatic adsorption and byssal adhesion. Due to highattachment strength and rapid reproduction，mussels have become the core hazardous species. Antifouling coatings can effectively prevent the growth of mussels and algae，and application cases insome international hydropower stations have verified that copper-based and silicone-based coatingscan significantly reduce the mussel attachment rate and save annual cleaning and maintenance costs.［Conclusion/Prospect］ Physical removal involves downtime losses，while chemical control poses ecological risks. Environmentally friendly antifouling coatings（especially low surface energy silicone composite coatings） have the advantages of being environmentally friendly，long-lasting，and economical，making them a promising prevention and control measure to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the hydropower station structures.