Port of San Diego Hosts Eco-Friendly Hull Paint Expo

Byline: Ambrosia Brody

Port of San Diego Hosts Eco-Friendly Hull Paint Expo

SAN DIEGO — Boaters who are considering making the switch from copper hull paints to more environmentally friendly coatings will want to attend the Port of San Diego’s Eco-Friendly Hull Paint Expo, March 16.

Boat owners who are interested in learning more about environmentally safe hull paints can get information of the various types available and what it takes to apply them, at the upcoming Expo, scheduled from 10 a.m.-noon March 16 at Shelter Island Boatyard, 2330 Shelter Island Drive.

This is the port’s second Eco-Friendly Hull Paint Expo, with the first being held in April 2012. The event is intended to provide recreational boaters with information on paints that protect a boat’s hull while also reducing environmental impact.

In 2008, port officials launched a two-year antifouling paint study after the area was cited in 1996 by the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board for high levels of copper in Shelter Island Yacht Basin. The board’s regulatory order requires the port, marinas, yacht clubs, hull cleaners and boaters to reduce copper pollution in the Shelter Island Yacht Basin by up to 76 percent by 2022.

The port has identified a variety of copper-free hull paints that it has found to protect the environment without reducing boat performance. The port has also engaged in educational and informational outreach to inform boat owners and commercial operators of the benefits of making the switch to environmentally friendly hull coatings.

Expo attendees can talk to port representatives, paint manufacturers and boatyard personnel — and they can hear first-hand from fellow boaters about of the advantages of using non-copper hull paint. Port of San Diego staff members will be on site to discuss how boaters can qualify for a grant program that assists Shelter Island Yacht Basin boaters in converting to eco-friendly hull paints.

Boat owners may walk away with more than information, if they win a prize in the Eco-Friendly Hull Paint Expo raffle. Giveaways include a $100 gift certificate to Best Western Island Palms, a pair of Kaenon Rhino sunglasses, a $100 gift certificate to Marine Exchange and other prizes.

Free coffee and food from Bali Hai Restaurant will be provided for Expo attendees.

For more information about the event, visit sandiegobaycopperreduction.org.

Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *