Work

Impact of antifouling paint regulation on copper and zinc loads from leisure boats in Swedish waters

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Baltic Sea, designated as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, hosts an extensive recreational boating sector, with Sweden contributing a substantial share due to its long coastline and high number of leisure boats. Antifouling coatings used on these vessels are sources of copper and zinc pollution, making it essential to identify where emissions occur and how biocide regulations affect environmental loads. To this end, this study mapped all boat berths along the Swedish coast to determine the number and spatial distribution of recreational vessels. Combined with release rate data for commercially available coatings, current inputs of copper and zinc to Swedish coastal waters from the nearly quarter-million leisure boats were estimated at 22.1 and 17.1 tons/yr, respectively. Copper load distributions varied geographically depending on boat density, permitted paint types and water salinity, with the more saline west coast accounting for the largest share (83%). Comparison with other coastal copper sources revealed antifouling coatings on leisure boats and ships to account for a significant proportion (32%) of the total yearly input. Scenario analysis further revealed that copper loads from current leisure boat products exceed nearly three-fold the maximum permissible level of the environmental risk assessment (8.8 tons/yr) that granted these products market approval (Scenario 1). However, enforcement of the updated European Union environmental risk assessment procedure (Scenario 2) could reduce copper loads substantially (to 8.0 tons/yr), if implemented correctly. • 22 tons of copper and 17 tons of zinc emitted annually from boat antifouling paint. • Load distribution varies with boat density, permitted paint and salinity. • Adherence to existing regulation could reduce the coastal copper load nearly 3-fold. • Antifouling paint on boats and ships accounts for 32% of copper costal inputs.

Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119312

Authors: Maria Lagerström, Ann-Kristin E. Wiklund, Anna Lunde Hermansson, Jukka-Pekka Jalkanen, Erik Ytreberg

Institutions: Chalmers University of Technology, Stockholm University, Finnish Meteorological Institute

Language: English

Topic: Marine Biology and Environmental Chemistry

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,740