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Three types of antifouling paints with the different mechanism of release of antifoulant were tested. The test panels were immersed on a test raft moored off the Bay of Yura, Japan and periodical assessments were carried out. After two years' exposure, the following results were obtained by means of visual analysis and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA): (1) Conventional Type ; Polyvinyl Chloride Paint containing Cu_2O The amount of Cu_2O antifoulant decreased from the surface of coatings and the test panels were attachment of marine plants and animals. (2) Smooth Frictional Type ; Chlorinated Rubber Paint containing Cu_2O The decrease of Cu_2O antifoulant from film was small and due to little dissolution of antifoulant, the test panels were attachment of marine plants and animals. (3) Self Polishing Type ; Organotin Acryl Copolymer Paint The test panels were not attachment of marine plants and animals because the active surfaces were revealed constantly by the self polishing mechanism. In addition, the antifoulant remained uniform over the film. The results show that EPMA is one of the promising methods in order to clarify the relationship between the leaching behavior of antifoulant and the performance of antifouling.
