Antifouling boat paint laws

Draft report public comment and events
Public comment is open from Dec. 4, 2023 to Jan. 17, 2024 to review and comment on the Antifouling Paints in Washington State: Third Report to the Legislature.
We are also hosting the following event:
- Information session: Dec. 6, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. online via Zoom to learn more about the report and answer questions.
Irgarol (also known as cybutryne), is another common ingredient added to make boat paints more effective. It has been found to be more toxic and harmful to marine life than previously believed. As of Jan. 1, 2023, irgarol paints are banned by Washington law for use on recreational vessels.
Why are we studying antifouling boat paints?

In 2011, Washington adopted the Antifouling Paints Law to gradually phase out copper-based antifouling paint. As part of the law, we agreed to study antifouling paints and how they affect marine organisms and water quality. We studied peer-reviewed science on antifouling paints and their hazards. These reviews showed that non-copper antifouling ingredients might be more environmentally harmful than copper. As a result, the law phasing out copper paints was postponed.
Learn more about our studies:
- 2017: Report to the Legislature on Non-Copper Antifouling Paints for Recreational Vessels in Washington
- 2019: Antifouling Paints in Washington State Report and Recommendations
While copper is the most common toxic chemical that antifouling boat paints release into the water, our studies also looked at other non-copper ingredients currently on the market, including:
- Zinc pyrithione
- Irgarol (cybutryne) (banned as of 2023)
- Sea-Nine (DCOIT)
- ECONEA (tralopyril)
There are also non-biocidal options available, such as boat washes, sonic cleaning systems, liner systems, and drive-in dry docks. However, some options are not readily available, and we do not know the performance and tradeoffs of these options yet.
What is the future of copper antifouling paint?
If we find safer alternatives that are feasible, reasonable, and readily available by June 30, 2024, Washington law will restrict the use of most copper-based antifouling paints beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
If we do not find safer and effective alternatives by then, the ban will not take effect. We will then continue to study scientific literature and submit a new report by June 30, 2029.
We are currently working with Washington State University to conduct performance testing on a variety of antifouling paints to better understand how they work in Washington's waters.
Frequently asked questions
Related links
Contact information
Iris Deng
Natural Resource Scientist
360-480-6555
iris.deng@ecy.wa.gov