November 2008 Project Update

Fouling and cleaning performance data collected over the four month period was evaluated in order to select the best alternatives for further investigation on boat hulls in 2009. 

The Port and the Institute for Research and Technical Assistance (IRTA) successfully completed the panel testing phase of the Safer Alternatives to Copper Antifouling Paints Project on October 8, 2008.

Forty-six alternative coatings were evaluated in the field over a four month period (June 2008 through October 2008).  The forty-six coatings tested in the first phase of the study included eighteen zinc-based coatings, four organic biocide coatings, and twenty-four non-biocide coatings.  The Port and IRTA included two routinely used copper-based coatings (AF-33, a 33% copper content, and Super KL, a 51-75% copper content) to serve as reference coatings.

There will be a stakeholder workgroup meeting on December 10, 2008, at the Port of San Diego's Administration Building to present the results of the panel testing.