By participating in an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded study of copper-free paints, Hornblower Cruises and Events is pioneering efforts to protect marine life and minimize the impact of boating in San Diego Bay. Hornblower Cruises and Events volunteered to test ten eco-friendly paints on the hull of the San Diego-based M/V Newport Hornblower as part of an EPA-funded study to find an alternative to copper antifouling hull paints. The donated paints were applied in March at Knight and Carver Yacht Center in National City. Researchers will spend the next two years (the normal life expectancy of copper-based paint) evaluating the effectiveness of these paints in the environment. “We’re doing some experimental painting,” said Jim Unger, vice president of Hornblower Cruises and Events. “Traditionally, bottom paint has had toxins, either heavy metals or other biocides, that get into the water system. What we’re doing here is experimenting with paints that have very little, or none, of either.” The Port of San Diego has partnered with Hornblower on the study, which responded to a 1996 San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board report identifying high levels of dissolved copper in Shelter Island Yacht Basin waters. Boaters commonly use copper antifouling paints to prevent marine organism growth on boat hulls. “The downside to using these copper paints is that the copper leaches off boat hulls and gets into the water column,” said Karen Holman, environmental specialist with the Port of San Diego. “At that point, it becomes potentially toxic to the marine organisms in the water and becomes a water-quality problem.” While testing also is taking place on smaller recreational boats, Hornblower’s participation allows researchers to perform side-by-side comparisons of the alternative paints. It also provides an educational opportunity for the public. Hornblower is promoting the proj-ect as part of its companywide “Respect Our Planet” program. Whale watching and bay cruise guests will learn about the study and related environmental initiatives through interactive exhibits aboard the M/V Adventure Hornblower. “What’s great is that this will actually be promoted through pictures and videos on Hornblower’s daily cruises,” said Unger. “We appreciate the opportunity to educate our guests and we encourage them to make environmentally responsible choices in their own lives.” Hornblower Cruises and Events has been the leading charter yacht and public dining cruise company in California for nearly 30 years. Through its “Respect Our Planet” program, the company is making efforts to “go green” and feels it is in the perfect position to reach out to the masses and explain what that really entails since there are 32 vessels in use in ports in San Francisco, Berkeley, Long Beach, Newport Beach, Marina del Rey and San Diego. For more information, visit www.hornblower.com or call (888) 467-6256.