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Coastal and Marine Pollution
Aim: To examine the effect of sub-lethal levels of alternative biocides on selected local representative marine species — the whelk and the pink snapper. The project is scheduled to be finalised towards the end of 2002.
Dr Monique Gagnon
Project Manager
Department of Environmental Biology, Curtin University of Technology
GPO Box U1987
PERTH WA 6845
Telephone: 08 9266 3723
Facsimile: 08 9266 2495
Email: m.gagnon@curtin.edu.au
Aim: To develop a diagnostic tool for determining the degree of environmental damage to corals from antifouling substances. In broad terms, the Project will examine the ecotoxicology of anti-fouling biocides and their commercial products on corals. Final results are expected by mid 2003.
Dr Ross Jones
Project Manager
Centre of Marine Studies, University of Queensland
Seddon Building 82c
St Lucia Campus
BRISBANE QLD 4072
Telephone: 07 3365 3050
Facsimile: 07 3365 4755
Email: rjones@mailbox.uq.edu.au
The Project will aim to evaluate the safety of anti-fouling alternatives to tributyltin (TBT), using local Australia temperate marine organisms. It will also provide a ranking of the safest alternatives to TBT anti-fouling agents for use in Australia waters. Final results are expected by mid 2003.
Dr Gus Fabris
Project Manager
PO Box 114
QUEENSCLIFF VIC 3225
Telephone: 03 5258 0254
Facsimile: 03 5258 0270
Email: Gastone.fabris@nre.vic.gov.au
The Project will aim to provide for the minimisation of environmental damage resulting from toxic anti-fouling compounds. Laboratory-based experiments will develop a greater understanding of the mechanisms of action of different types of anti-foulants on different boating materials. Field studies will identify environmental forces influencing their effectiveness as well as issues concerning slipping yard and dry dock practices. Final results are expected by mid 2003.
Dr Wendy Barron
Project Manager
University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science
MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558
Telephone: 07 5430 2838
Facsimile: 07 5430 2886
Email: WBarron@usc.edu.au
This study, conducted over 2000 to 2003, involved two phases. The first phase was an interlaboratory trial to assess whether the high-variance problem was attributable to sample handling and analytical methods used by laboratories. The second phase was to field test a sampling protocol based on tiered levels of composites. This was designed to reduce high variance attributed to the heterogeneity of TBT contamination, for example TBT associated with paint flakes or other particulate matter. Such a field sampling program would enable the reliable benchmarking of TBT-contaminated sites in each Australian State and Territory. Such sites could be revisited at a future date to assess long term trends in levels of TBT contamination.
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