IMO has conducted a workshop in Djibouti in order to address ways to reduce the effects of biofouling, which occurs when aquatic organisms accumulate on ships’ hulls with potentially harmful effects for marine ecosystems.
Officials involved in protecting the marine environment discussed how to manage the issue, including how to implement IMO’s 2011 Biofouling Guidelines, which provide a globally consistent approach to managing biofouling and reducing the transfer of invasive aquatic species by ships.
The Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (Biofouling Guidelines) (resolution MEPC.207(62)) are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling, which is the accumulation of various aquatic organisms on ships’ hulls. They were adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) at its sixty-second session in July 2011 and were the result of three years of consultation between IMO Member States. The Biofouling Guidelines represent a decisive step towards reducing the transfer of invasive aquatic species by ships.
Thirty-four representatives from various authorities and stakeholders in Djibouti participated in the workshop. The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) facilitated the organization of the event, which was hosted by the Ministry of Habitat, Urbanism and the Environment of Djibouti. IMO was represented by Markus Helavuori.
Source & Image credit : IMO
