This project will redress this situation and through multidisciplinary research will provide:

• Information on usage and geographical differences in usage of antifouling agents and products in Europe.
• Suitably sensitive analytical (chemical) techniques for quantifying antifouling "booster" biocides.
• An assessment of the extent of contamination of European harbours and marinas and coastal waters through chemical surveys.
• Information concerning the dissipation, transport and ecotoxicological effects of "booster" biocides (through experimentation under laboratory and field conditions).
• Models which predict environmental concentration and impact.
• A critical comparison of products regarding environmental impact.

Results will provide essential information upon which National and International Authorities and the Commission can consider and provide well-founded advice (and hence management options) on the topic of antifouling agents.