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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 April 2009
The use of paints containing tributyltin (TBT) to keep boat hulls clean is threatening marine life in some coastal regions, especially where boating for pleasure is popular. Research so far has shown that very low concentrations of the chemical have lethal or mutagenic effects on some marine invertebrates and stop the growth of phytoplankton. Legislation is being drawn up by many countries to control the use of these paints, but the author fears that it may be too little and too late for some populations of organisms.