title: Butyltin compounds in liver of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the UK prior to and following the ban on the use of tributyltin in antifouling paints (1992-2005 & 2009).
abstract: Liver butyltin concentrations (monobutyl, dibutyl and tributyltin (TBT)) in harbour porpoises (n=410) have been determined during 1992-2005, and again in 2009 following a ban on the use of tributyltin-based antifouling paints on ships. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of the regulation, which was implemented during 2003-2008. Since the ban was put in place summed butyltin concentrations have declined. Also, the percentage of animals in which TBT was detected has fallen sharply, indicating the cessation of fresh inputs. In 1992, 1993 and 1995, TBT was detected in 100% of samples analysed. In 2003-2005, once the implementation of the ban had begun, this fell to 61-72%, and in 2009, following the completion of the ban, had reduced to 4.3% (i.e. in only 1 of 23 samples analysed). Thus we conclude that the ban has proved effective in reducing TBT inputs to the seas from vessels.
authors.affiliation: The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK. robin.law@cefas.co.uk
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Thi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bolam
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barry
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deaville
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Rod
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Penrose
authors.forename: Paul D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Jepson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D057219:Biofouling / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005260:Female; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009947:Organotin Compounds / Q000378:metabolism*; D010150:Paint; D050741:Phocoena / Q000378:metabolism*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D009947:Organotin Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical