Antifoul and Invasive Species
Antifoul
Antifouling paints work largely by releasing biocides into the
water, thus preventing organisms from attaching themselves to the
bottom of boats. Whilst this is good for keeping the hull clean,
improving efficiency through the water and preventing the spread of
non native invasive species, it does mean that some of the toxic
ingredients leach into the water.
Even
though this slow leaching can cause toxins to build up in the food
chain, the main problems associated with antifouling occur when
high concentrations of antifouling enter the water in runoff from
high pressure hosing and scrapings from boat wash down. High
concentrations of copper tend to be found in the sediment around
lift out points in estuaries and rivers and can find their way into
the food chain causing a wide range of environmental problems.
Antifouling products themselves are covered by
a variety of regulations:
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
regulations (COSHH)
- Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986
- Biocidal Products Regulations (2001)
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
administers the product approval process
- The user also has a ‘duty of care’ to comply
with the products conditions of use
It is
obvious therefore that marinas and boat yards play an important
role in complying with legislation and in preventing antifoul
toxins from entering the water course. Run off from hull cleaning
operations at marinas and boatyards is classified as trade
effluent. This means it should only disposed of into the sewerage
system with the prior consent of the local water company, or, if
going into a watercourse or to ground, the Environment
Agency/SEPA/EAW/EANI. Where it is not possible to obtain a
discharge consent, waste run off should be contained on-site for
offsite disposal (by a specialist contractor) or should be
contained and cleaned using a closed loop washdown system.
Best Practice Advice Leaflets & Resources Marine Toolkit
Non Native Invasive Species
Non
native invasive species are introduced species that have become
established outside of their normal habitat or native country.
Hitching a ride on boat hulls, propellers or in ballast and bilge
water, these aliens arrive in UK waters and can have extremely
damaging effects not only on our ecosystems and biodiversity as
well as marine facilities, aquaculture and physical
structures. There are currently about 65 marine non native species
in Britain, with many species thriving in both salt and fresh
water.
Of all of
these species, Didemnum vexillum (a variety of Carpet Sea
Squirt) perhaps poses the greatest threat to marinas, boat yards
and clubs. It has a smothering effect; covering aquatic habitats,
dock structures, wood and metal piles, moorings, ropes and steel
chains in thick sheet-like growths. Once established, non-native
species become extremely difficult and expensive to eradicate.
Best Practice Advice Leaflets & Resources Marine Toolkit
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