Antifouling Paints. Boats kept in the water are exposed to organisms like bacteria, algae, and barnacles, fouling the hulls of boats causing drag. Antifouling boat paints prevent these organisms from growing on boat hulls. Copper paints have been found to be highly toxic to fish and other aquatic species. Irgaral (cybutryne) paint has been banned as of 2023.

Background. Washington State adopted the ‘Antifouling Paints Law’ in the early 2000s, banning copper-based antifouling paints. The law required that research be done on antifouling paints by the Dept. of Ecology, whose subsequent research cited that non-copper antifouling ingredients might be more environmentally harmful than copper. As a result, the law phasing out copper paints was postponed.

The Future of Copper Antifouling Paint? The Dept. of Ecology reports that if they find safer and effective alternatives that are feasible, reasonable, and readily available by June 30, 2024, Washington law will restrict the use of most copper-based antifouling paints beginning January 1, 2026. If a safer and effective alternative is not found by June 30, then the ban will not take effect and scientific studies will continue. A new report will be submitted by June 30, 2029. To-date, performance testing on a variety of antifouling paints have been ongoing.

Public Webinar, 10 am, December 6, 2023. The Dept. of Ecology is hosting a public webinar to share highlights from their draft report, performance test updates, and next steps. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the webinar. To attend, click on the link or phone in:

Public Comment Period. The Dept. of Ecology would like to hear from boaters and those in the boating industry regarding the Ecology’s latest report – “Antifouling Paints in Washington State: Third Report to the Legislature.” This report will be ready for review starting on November 30, 2023 on their antifouling boat paints webpage. Interested parties are asked to provide written comments, during the comment period December 4, 2023 through January 17, 2024 till 11:59 pm. Comments can be made during the comment period online by using the online comment form, or by emailing Iris Deng at Iris.Deng@ecy.wa.gov.

Those attending the December 6th Webinar are asked to review the report and come with questions. The draft report establishes safer criteria for antifouling chemicals and consists of a review of recently available information on antifouling paints and ingredients.