A combination of selected substances in paint to prevent the settlement and growth of different bio-fouling organisms with a reduced negative effect on the ecosystems compared to present methods. Useful substances include medetomidine with various copper and zinc formulations, tolylfluanide, diclofluanide, DIURON™ and IRGAROL™, or more general biocides such as SEANINE™ (4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone) or ECONEA™ (2-(p-chlorophenyl)-3-cyano-4-bromo-5-trifluoromethyl pyrrole).