Antifouling: the good and the bad!

Published 15:26 on 17 Jul 2025

The good: Antifouling is necessary to protect the bottom of a boat from marine growth and it helps improve fuel efficiency and also helps prevent the spread of invasive species.

The bad: unfortunately the very fact that antifouling paints work by releasing biocides to prevent organisms from attaching means that when this leaches into the water it can destroy the biochemistry, behaviour, reproduction and growth of other marine life in the harbour.

Most of the problems occur when high concentrations of antifoul enters the water after pressure washing or scrapings when removing loose paint. Old practices such as scrubbing off at East Head are no longer acceptable and are prohibited by the Conservancy.

It is the Club's responsibility to ensure we carry out 'best practice' and this is coming under closer scrutiny from the Conservancy. The club is therefore taking a proactive approach in the best interest of the members and are currently looking at changing how the boats will be washed down when lifted out and the best methods for removing loose antifouling.

More information will follow including an email to all cruiser owners on a new policy.

Existing Environmental Policy HERE

Claire Ashton Environmental officer