asked the Minister for the Marine whether major damage is being caused to marine life by the use of TBT anti-fouling paints; the reason the present prohibition applies only to small craft; and the steps which are being taken to introduce a total ban on its use.
Written Answers. - Marine Life Damage.
80.
The by-law, No. 657 of 1987, prohibits the use of TBT based anti-fouling paints on any part of a pier, jetty, building or other structure which is on or in the sea or on or in freshwater. The by-law also prohibits the use of such paints on boats under 25 metres in length except where such boats are used solely on the sea and whose hulls are made of aluminum alloy.
I am satisfied that this ban is preventing major damage to marine life. Exempted vessels as above and those over 25 metres in length are larger vessels which are constantly moving and rarely berth in places of commercial and non-commercial fishing and aquaculture interest. Whilst steaming, the dilution factor of TBT release is so enormous as not to constitute a hazard to the marine environment. It is for this reason that all countries which have banned the use of TBT paint do not apply the ban to larger vessels.
Anti-fouling paints are pesticides within the meaning of the European Communities (Classification, Packaging and labelling of Pesticides) Regulations, 1985 and 1987. Under these regulations only pesticides which have clearance can be sold. The sale of TBT based anti-fouling paints is presently under review by the Department of Agriculture and Food which have responsibility for this regulation.