Action C20:2 Limit the use of toxic anti-fouling
This is a summary of Deliverable no 277 and 278, Report on the activities carried out within the network and evaluation of the results from network activities. The full report is available in Swedish.
Summary
The project ”Reduced Emission of Toxic Antifouling Paints to Mälaren” was carried out between March 2021 and December 2024 in collaboration with the City of Stockholm Environment and Health Administration and the lake Mälaren Water Conservation Association. The main objective of the project was to establish a network for municipalities around lake Mälaren to facilitate the exchange of experiences and to create a unified view on issues concerning toxic antifouling paints. The goal was to reduce emissions of environmentally hazardous substances such as TBT, copper, and zinc, as well as to achieve good chemical status in the waters of lake Mälaren.
Through the project, a contact network for inspectors was established, which enabled municipalities to share experiences and working methods. Key initiatives included the development of an informational brochure targeted at boat owners, boating clubs, and regulatory authorities. This brochure helped raise awareness of the risks associated with old paint layers containing biocides and promoted uniform guidelines for environmental supervision.
The project’s activities, which included digital kick-off meetings, workshops, and network gatherings, have led to increased interest and collaboration among municipalities. The results demonstrate improved knowledge transfer, more effective supervision of recreational boat harbours, and a long-term reduction in emissions, which also supports the implementation of action programs for the Northern Baltic Sea water district. The collaborative approach and methods developed during the project will continue to be used and further developed.
