Tributyltin antifoulings: a threat to the Hong Kong marine environment

Tributyltin (TBT), the active ingredient in antifouling paint, has demonstrated extreme potency but also high toxicity to non-target marine organisms; it bioaccumulates in the food chain, and research evidence of its damaging effect on the reproduction and growth of various marine life forms have prompted action by various countries to regulate or ban its use in antifouling products. The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department has embarked on a monitoring programme, and TBT has been detected in polluted clam samples, as well as water and sediment samples in certain marinas, typhoon shelters, and mariculture sites. This paper reports some of the findings to date.