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Hull Scrapings and Marine Coatings as a Source of Microplastics 1. Introduction 1.1 Rationale A recent study by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified marine coatings and hull scrapings as possible sources of microplastics, with potential impacts on marine systems. This microplastics release may be through the normal function of anti-fouling systems (AFS) and other marine coatings during ship operation or in-water or dry-dock maintenance, such as hull cleaning and coating replacement. However, at present there is insufficient knowledge about the qualitative and quantitative contributions of microplastics from these sources. Accordingly, an overview / review was requested of where data gaps may exist, thus highlighting where research could be beneficial in informing possible future actions. This was to be undertaken from the perspective of International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) mandate, including the Anti-Fouling Systems Convention (AFS Convention), the Biofouling Guidelines, which inter alia aim to address the best practices for the management of hull fouling and for the safe removal and disposal of anti-fouling wastes, and the London Convention and Protocol, one of the first global agreements towards protection of the marine environment (also see Section 3.1). Against the broader background of IMO’s work on the prevention of marine pollution, the IMO Assembly, at its 30th session (27 November to 6 December 2017), acknowledged the ongoing problem and growing recognition of marine plastic pollution. This requires further consideration as part of a global solution within the framework of ocean governance, in pursuance of SDG 14’s target to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds by 2025 (SDG 14.1). The Assembly referred this matter to the 72nd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 72) for detailed consideration and action as deemed necessary. Pursuant to the above, MEPC 72 (9 to 13 April 2018) agreed to include a new output “Development of an action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships” in the 2018-2019 biennial agenda of the MEPC, with a target completion year of 2020 (IMO, 2018a). The new output was included in the agenda of MEPC 73 (22 to 26 October 2018), which considered several relevant proposals and adopted the Action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships (IMO, 2018d), with the aim of enhancing existing provisions in IMO instruments and potentially introducing new supporting measures to prevent plastic pollution from ships. IMO takes an active stance against marine pollution (e.g. see IMO, 2018b) including from anti-fouling compounds through the AFS Convention, the Biofouling Guidelines and the London Convention and Protocol. For example, the interest of IMO in microplastics in general is complemented by further research into their sources and fates, as demonstrated by this study. With specific regard to anti-fouling systems, the AFS Convention regulates the use of harmful anti-fouling systems on ships. The AFS Convention initially included controls on tributyltin anti- fouling paints, but the Convention also incorporates a mechanism for adding controls on further substances and, at present, there is an ongoing consideration of cybutryne. It is noted that, in addition to the AFS Convention, some individual nations have additional restrictions. For example, these include the United Kingdom ban on the biocides Irgarol 1051 and Diuron, Sweden’s strict biocidal paint regulations for use on recreational vessels (Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, 2015) and the intended (initially scheduled for 1 January 2018 though currently delayed) ban on copper-based antifouling paint use on recreational boats in Washington State, United States (Washington State Legislature, 2011). 1PDF Image | HULL SCRAPINGS AND MARINE COATINGS AS A SOURCE OF MICROPLASTICS
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