Biosecurity Fears Over Boat Hulls
Cleaning and Antifouling Paint Key to Controlling Invasive Species
Oct 22, 2008
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) in New Zealand established a new agency in July of 2007, known as New Zealand MAF Biosecurity (MAFBNZ), which is charged with protecting the country's environment and resources from harmful pests and diseases. Strategies for this effort are detailed in the report Tiakina Aotearoa Protect New Zealand - The Biosecurity Strategy for New Zealand published in the same year.
Boating's Effect on the Environment
Boaters are often not aware of the effect they have on the environment. Many actions taken by boat owners to care for their vessels can have positive consequences. One example is a proper vessel hull maintenance regime that incorporates the correct use of antifouling bottom paint and regular hull cleaning. This is seen as being vital in protecting the marine environment from invasive, nonindigenous species.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand believes that two-thirds of the harmful marine organisms introduced into the nation's coastal habitats come from the dirty hulls of recreational boats visiting from other regions or countries. Two examples given by the agency are the Australian sea squirt (Eudistoma elongatum) and the fouling sea squirt (Styela clava) that have infested Northland harbors and the Hauraki Gulf.
Nonindigenous species often thrive in new waters where they don't have competition within their unique ecological niche and often have no natural predators. Invasive species are very difficult to control once established and cause irreparable damage to waterfront environments.
Actions Boaters Can Take to Control Marine Pests
Boaters can assist in efforts to control invasive species through judicious use of antifouling bottom paint and regular hull cleaning. Antifouling paints are a concern for many people in the marine industry because they depend on biocides like metallic copper to control marine growth on hulls. There are industry approved Best Management Practices (BMP) in place that can mitigate many of the negative effects of bottom paint use.
The following are a few actions boaters can take control the spread of invasive species. The include:
- Haulout annually for a through cleaning and a new coat of antifouling paint
- Haul and clean vessels frequently throughout the season. Regular hull cleaning can often extend the life of applied bottom paint
- Clean and renew antifouling paint if the vessel is traveling to a new geographic region
- Touchup bottom paint where the hull has been nicked, scraped or damaged
- Follow the application guidelines provided by the paint manufacturer
- Dispose of marine growth like barnacles and mussels removed from the hull in approved upland locations
In a press release for her agency, Lesley Patston of the New Zealand MAF Biosecurity says "It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect what they value. If boat owners follow some simple biosecurity precautions they will help keep the seas alive for future generations. Do not allow any build up of growth beyond a slime layer. Ensure your antifouling is in good condition and re-applied as recommended by the manufacturer or retailer. Renew if it’s been scraped or damaged or if persistent fouling is occurring. Finally and most importantly: check your boat is clean before you move location. If it’s not, clean it!”
New Zealand has published a webpage titled Clean Boats - Living Seas that offers many additional tips on how to properly clean a boat and protect the environment. There are many areas of a hull like stabilizers and strainers that merit special attention. Boaters can also check with their local marina operator or boatyard for hints on effective vessel maintenance practices.
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