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Abstract

The discovery of high levels of tributyltin compounds in Antarctic marine sediments has prompted managers to consider the banning of such substances in this region. We propose that the banning of antifouling coatings may result in an increase in the risk of non-indigenous species invasions. Our studies show that un-treated vessels carry a more diverse community of fouling organisms than treated hulls on which fouling is restricted to specific untreated niches. Up to 40% of the species recruited to the hulls of Southern Ocean vessels are species with invasive histories. Viable fouling assemblages can survive prolonged voyages to high-latitude coastlines, yet passage through sea-ice may remove fouling communities due to mechanical abrasion reducing the hazard of introductions to ice-bound coastlines. The banning of antifouling compounds may be of particular concern for the ice-free sub-Antarctic islands which represent a common anchorage point for vessels on-route to Antarctica.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Lewis, PN and Riddle, M and Hewitt, CL
Keywords:	TBT; Bioinvasions; Antarctica; Sub-Antarctic islands; Fouling; Antifouling
Journal or Publication Title:	Marine Pollution Bulletin
ISSN:	0025-326X
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2004.07.001
Additional Information:	The definitive version is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com
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