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Few people are aware that the main means of transporting marine invasive species (aliens) is via boating and by attachment to the hull or propeller. To reduce the risk of transportation, hulls should be cleaned regularly with visible plant, fish and animal matter removed and disposed of in a bin or skip. Antifouling paints help prevent this growth onto hulls largely by releasing biocides into the water. These are toxic to water fleas, dragonfly and fish larvae and can cause contamination to be passed up the food chain. The key to avoiding this is to prevent antifoul unnecessarily entering the water.
Read our ‘Did you know facts’ about antifouling and marine aliens.
There are simple steps we can all take to reduce this risk, start by reading our top five below.
Most antifouling never release all the biocide in the paint coating. They are designed to release just the right amount of biocide during the useful life of the paint to control the fouling. At the end of this time a proportion of the biocide is left on the boat which was never designed to be released. Scrubbing the paint liberates this biocide, meaning even more biocide enters the water than is necessary.
» The UK Marine Special Areas of Conservation report on the Potential effects of antifouling paints
There are many types of antifouling paint on the market for example erodible/self-polishing, soft/traditional, hard and the paint should be customised to the fouling conditions found in the area you keep your boat. These conditions can include geographic location, mooring situation, and the type of vessel to be antifouled, varying water qualities and temperatures, as these can result in different types of fouling. Within a small area differences can be considerable due to factors such as the speed of flow of water, pollution, outfalls from industry and pollution as well as unexpected influences such as shading from buildings and trees.
» The RYA has produced a rough guide to antifouling advising on types and application of paints
» Read our Seasonal Maintenance article about a trial of brand new biocide free antifouling
For less severe fouling, manufacturers recommend sponging as being more effective in preserving the biocide qualities. If you have to pressure wash, try and choose a boatyard or marina that collects the effluent and filters the anti foul particles from it. This allows the water to be recycled and used again or discharged to the sewers, not the watercourse.
» If you are a business or club visit the Environmental Code of Practice website www.ecop.org.uk
Where possible apply your anti-fouling during late morning or early afternoon in calm, dry weather. This will make it easier to apply, give a smoother finish and therefore help prevent spills. If you are working on a cold day, keep your paint in a warm place or stand the tin in a bucket, part filled with warm water. Working at a comfortable height will also help prevent spills through slipping and fatigue.
» Yachting and Boating World has produced preparation and application advice
» Download the RYA’s rough guide to antifouling
Topside and antifouling paints and varnish including used brushes, rollers and trays are now classified as hazardous waste and should be disposed of separately from general waste. Your marina or boatyard should have a hazardous waste disposal available and clearly marked but if you cannot see one then a member of staff.
» What The Green Blue says about hazardous waste
A common misconception is that scrubbing the antifoul surface to reveal a fresh coat of paint will enhance its performance, in fact excessive scrubbing can shorten its lifetime.
Copper has been used as a biocide in antifouling for hundreds of years to inhibit marine fouling growth. Most copper compounds can accumulate in sediment and marine life where they can persist for many years and passing up the food chain.
A study found the majority of copper in antifouling enters the marine environment through leaching. However, concentrations in scrapings and cleaning residues may cause more of a localised environmental problem
There are about 65 species of marine alien species in Britain and pose the second biggest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss.
The main means of transport around the country via boating is by attachment to the hull, propeller or within the bilge or engine water. Make sure any visible plant or animal matter is removed and disposed of.
Visit The Green Directory to look at what ‘greener’ antifoul and washdown alternatives are available.
Refer to the Environmental Code of Practice for details of legislation that affects boat wash down, antifouling types and application and disposal.
If you are a boat owner our How To... guides give more simple steps you can take. Request your free copy by emailing info@thegreenblue.org.uk Please state if you would prefer the coastal or inland version (also whether you require it for England, Scotland or Wales)
