Bio Technology Will Be The Most Important Investments Of This Century
Bio-Antifouling Paint
Global warming is a hotly debated topic and one that just won’t go away. There are however some interesting observations that cant be ignored.
•    There is a whole in the Ozone layer that appears to be getting bigger.
•    Phytoplankton produce 50% of the worlds Oxygen and their numbers have diminished in concerning numbers and this Decline in oceans' phytoplankton is alarming scientists.
•    Oxygen is second only to water for the survival of life on Earth.
•    The by product left over after extracting the oil can be used in cattle feed, vitamins, pigments, cosmetics, etc.
•   Depletion of Oxygen is believed to have a link to the hole in the ozone layer.
•   Diminishing Cod catches in the north Atlantic are now being partly attributed to the low Plankton numbers.
•    Most of the Scandinavian & EU countries are moving to ban Copper based Anti Fouling paints and there are no out standing replacement products available.
•     There is strong evidence that Copper based Anti Fouling Paint is toxic to plankton and linked to the declining Plankton population and the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee agrees toxic anti-fouling paint will be prohibited.
Could it be that toxic anti fouling paints play a part in global warming. The evedince seams to point that way!
Maxwell Energy Corporation own the patents to non heavy metal Bio Antifouling paints and plan to go into full production of the paints starting later 2009.
The company is still going through the pros and cons of being base in New Zealand or setting up production in Europe. Director Barry Larkman (grand son of the late Alfred Herbert Larkman Chief Engineer on Shackleton's 1914-17 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition) says it would be easer to get started here in NZ because I live here, love NZ and our Bio Diesel operation is also here. However because heavy metal anti fouling paints have already been banned in Europe the demand is more urgent there & the cost of freight would reduce the bottom line profit. 

Barry has so far resisted the temptation to sell the patents because of his connection with NZ and desire to see the benefits stay in NZ. Currently he is working with the NZ Govt on the potential development of the paints however with everything on go slow while the John Key Govt asses all Govt funding & the economic crises, support from the Govt may not happen at all. Which means Barry may have to look at selling the patent or taking production over seas.
This website will keep you informed on the developments of Maxwell Energy Corp and their efforts to become the first manufacturers of patented Anti Fouling Paints in NZ.
Washinton Edu draft report 2008 To Phase Out Metal-Based Antifouling Paints on Recreational Boats
Non Toxic Anti Fouling Paint Options 2005 Biennial Coastal Zone ConferenceNew Orleans, Louisiana July 17 to 21, 2005