Antifouling: What works, and what doesn’t?

To ensure that sailors’ interests are taken into account in the discussions at this year’s Biofouling Management Conference, the DSV is supporting a current survey on antifouling and fouling prevention. As a trade association, the DSV is aware of the requirements that water sports enthusiasts place on modern antifouling systems and is committed to ensuring that these are taken into account in future regulations and recommendations, according to a statement from the association.

​The survey was already carried out last year. The questionnaire has now been expanded once again in collaboration with the BSH. The aim is “to gain an even more accurate picture of the situation in recreational boating, so as to be able to derive practical recommendations for action”.

• The Comprehensive YACHT Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Antifouling Systems – Featuring Lots of Explanatory Videos

The results will be incorporated into the conference proceedings and subsequently published on the BSH website. “The more sailors who take part in the survey, the better we can represent the needs of recreational sailing to the scientific, business and political communities,” emphasises Rainer Tatenhorst, Head of the DSV’s Cruising and Recreational Sailing Department.

The survey consists of a total of 26 questions; it takes about ten minutes to complete.

• Click here to take the survey

​The Biofouling Management Conference will take place on Norderney from 1 to 2 October 2026. It is organised by the Green Shipping Competence Centre Lower Saxony in collaboration with the Maritime Cluster Northern Germany e. V., the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) and Dr. Brill + Partner GmbH – Institute for Antifouling and Biocorrosion.

Further information

For detailed information on antifouling, the Federal Environment Agency provides a Vegetation Atlas . This contains recommendations on the selection of suitable antifouling methods for various areas.

The Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) also provides an e-learning course. This covers topics such as biofouling, invasive species, environmental impacts and how to prevent them, as well as alternative cleaning methods. The course offers a modern and informative approach to the subject. An additional YouTube video explains the issue of invasive species and their significance for recreational boating.

The Northern Germany Maritime Cluster is an association of companies, research institutions and trade associations from the maritime industry in Northern Germany. It promotes networking and the exchange of knowledge within the sector and supports innovation in the maritime sector.