Antifouling

For healthy surface water and your own health, it is better to use as little antifouling as possible. If your boat does require maintenance, make sure the product is allowed for non-professional use in the Netherlands. 

• Permitted resources for private use 

What is antifouling?

Antifouling is paint with a copper compound (biocide) or zinc that prevents fouling of weeds, algae and shells on the undersides of boats. These products not only work against fouling on the boat, but also end up in the water. This is damaging to the aquatic environment.

Use as little antifouling as possible

The best thing for the water environment is not to use antifouling and to choose an underwater paint without biocides. Of course, your underwater paint should be tailored to your boating, mooring and sailing area. For example, there is paint to which fouling adheres poorly and which facilitates cleaning the underside of the boat (nonstick coatings) or you can choose a hard paint (e.g. epoxy-based) that can be brushed without damage.

• More alternatives to antifouling

Control in the spring

At the beginning of the boating season, our enforcement officers visit marinas to check individuals on the proper use of antifouling. We do this to ensure that fewer harmful substances such as zinc and copper end up in the surface water. We work with Rijkswaterstaat and others on this.