Evaluation des Risques dus a l'emploi des Peintures Anti-Salissures Dansales Zones Conchylicoles.

The boats cruising in the oyster growing areas are protected against biofouling by paints which release toxic compounds such as copper oxide and organotins into the water. After an estimation of the inputs of copper and organotins in the "Marennes-Oleron", Arcachon (Atlantic) and Thau (Mediterranean Sea) areas, their influence on larval fixation is discussed, taking into account the tributyltin toxicity against D larvae of Crassostrea gigas. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that tributyltin produces morphological abnormalities of the shell and increases tin levels in tissues, interfering with copper and zinc metabolism. The influence of yacht ports on oyster growth and shell morphology, has been demonstrated in the field. The use of organotin-based antifouling paints in a close or semi-close bay is found to be incompatible with Crassostrea gigas production in the oyster beds of the coasts of France.