a protective coating applied to the underwater portion of a marine vessel operable to inhibit the growth of marine foulants . the coating comprises a polymer , a marine biocide , a preservative , an antimicrobial agent , and optionally a coloring agent . in certain embodiments , the marine biocide , preservative , and optional antimicrobial agent are chemically bonded with the polymer thereby significantly reducing the ability of the biocide , preservative , and antimicrobial agent to leach from the coating into the surrounding environment .