Publication Abstract

Distribution and effects of tributyltin - an update to mid 1999

R.J. Law and E.H.G. Evers

The discovery of widespread effects of tributyltin (TBT) derived from antifouling paints on non-target organisms lead to regulation concerning its use on small vessels less than 25 m in length in many countries in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At that time, its use on larger vessels was not regulated as they spent most of their time at sea, and so were perceived to be less likely to give rise to problems in estuarine and coastal areas. In this paper we review the most recent studies of the distributuin and effects of TBT, including those reported in the open literature to mid-1999. Taken together, these illustrate that TBT (now derived primarily from the antifouling of large vessels) continues to manifest widespread effects around ports, harbours and shipping lanes, and provide support for further regulation now proposed within the International Maritime Organisation.

Reference:

R.J. Law and E.H.G. Evers. 2000. Distribution and effects of tributyltin - an update to mid 1999. ICES Cooperative Research Report, No. 239. 162-168