The samples were analysed for the usual biocides used in antifoulings. In 35 samples, the results for the toxin Irgarol were above the annual average value permitted by the EU. 20 per cent of the harbours also exceeded the limit value for copper contamination in the water. Although a single measurement is not enough to prove that the annual pollution level is too high, the Federal Environment Agency describes the quantities found as quite alarming.
As a result, the biologists recommend considering a ban on biocide-containing antifoulings, at least in inland areas that are located in sensitive environmental zones. However, the office cannot impose such bans, as these are a matter for the federal states. Such steps are not yet being discussed for the coast.
In the latest issue of YACHT, we explain the exact results of the study and what the technical alternatives would actually look like in the event of a ban. In addition to paints with less or no biocide, alternatives with boat cleaning systems are also up for debate. Now in issue 1/2015.
As part of the discussion about possible alternatives, the Limnomar research institute in Hamburg is launching a study on the effectiveness of alternative products. Owners of ships in inland and coastal areas are still being sought who are willing to test their ships with selected products. Over the course of the season, the yachts will be taken out of the water, assessed and cleaned.
If you want to take part: here is the institute's call with contact details
Call for participation in cleaning trials as an anti-fouling technique in low-fouling areas of the Baltic Sea in the 2015 season
The Limnomar research laboratory is currently carrying out an EU-funded research project, Change (www.changeantifouling.com), in which environmentally friendly and effective anti-fouling methods are being investigated.
As part of this project, we are looking for boat owners of dinghies or dinghy cruisers with a retractable centreboard who have a mooring in low-fouling areas of the German Baltic Sea coast. We are preferably looking for boat owners with moorings in the Bodden waters of the Darß-Zingster Bodden chain, Bodden waters south of Rügen, Strelasund and Peenestrom.
Cleaning is to be carried out using methods that can be used directly from the boat at the mooring and by the owner depending on the growth of fouling. A special cleanable hard coating from the company Wohlert (www.wohlert-lackfabrik.de) will be made available free of charge for this purpose. The prerequisite is that the existing antifouling coatings on the hull are removed beforehand at the owner's own expense.
The cleaning equipment will of course be provided free of charge. There will be an introduction at the beginning of the season and a joint inspection of the boat in the middle and at the end of the season. Boat owners should expect 3 - 4 cleanings per season.
If you are interested, please contact:
Limnomar
Dr Burkard Watermann
At the Neue Münze 11
22145 Hamburg
Tel.: 040/6789911
watermann@limnomar.de
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
