AbstractTributyltin and triphenyltin compounds have excellent biocidal properties and almost all vessels in the world have used these paints since early in the 1960s. Contrary to expectation, as shown by experimental data at the beginning of organotin chemistry, triorganotins are exceptionally stable in the sediment or in dark places in the deep sea. Since triorganotins do not decompose rapidly in seawater, many incidences of deformities in some shellfish have been linked to their presence, even when present at extremely low concentrations.Alternative tin‐free antifoulants containing other biocides, such as copper compounds and organic compounds, have been developed and used since the late 1980s. Some nations have already banned the use of organotin antifouling compounds for small vessels, and in 2001 the International Maritime Organization decided to ban completely the use of the organotin compounds from the year 2003. Therefore, it is necessary to find economically and environmentally better biocidal substances as soon as possible. Moreover, the development of antifoulants containing environmentally safe natural products, fouling release coatings, electroconductive coatings, etc. have long been anticipated from the new point of conservation of the world marine environment. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.