Tag: invasive aquatic species

The TEST Biofouling Project by IMO and Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) will demonstrate technical solutions to stop invasive species and reduce GHG emissions from ships.

The IMO-led GloFouling Partnerships project is tackling the introduction of invasive aquatic organisms into new marine environments. Such invasions have the potential to affect biodiversity and ecosystem health, but also significantly affect several economic sectors.

The untreated ballast water has a negative impact on the marine species and marine environment, often resulting to the increase of the non-native organisms, disrupting the food chain, interfering with infrastructure by incapacitating power plants, disrupting water supply, and spreading deadly diseases.

Marc Garneau, the Canadian Minister of Transport, published the new Ballast Water Regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 8, 2019. Created after extensive dialogue with industry, scientists, engineers and international partners, the proposed regulations aim to strengthen current rules and reduce the risks to Canada’s environment and economy related to aquatic invasive species.

How current antifouling technologies are performing on various ship types BIMCO has launched a survey to find out the real picture on the methods ship owners and operators are using for the treatment of biofouling, and the performance of the various methods on different ships and over varying time periods.Aron Sørensen, Chief Marine Technical Officer at BIMCO, who is leading the study, said: "We believe there is a lack of collective knowledge on biofouling management and treatment practices in the shipping industry. BIMCO would like to build a clearer picture of practice and performance for biofouling management, and how current antifouling technologies are performing on various ship types. We will use and share the outcome to work on the industry's behalf to highlight any issues of concern. Once analysed, the survey result could form the basis for a BIMCO submission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)."Biofouling means the attachment or association of marine organisms to the wetted portions of a vessel including sea chests, propellers, anchors, and other niche areas.The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (AFS Convention) prohibits the use of listed harmful substances in anti-fouling paints used on ships and establishes a mechanism ...

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has issued Marine Notice 19/2013 regarding Biofouling and In-water Cleaning

Hong Kong Merchant Shipping Information Note The Hong Kong Marine Department issues Merchant Shipping Information Note regarding Guidelines for the Control and Management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species as follows:This Note draws attention of the Shipowners, Ship Managers, Operators and Masters to the Guidelines, adopted by MEPC 62 in July 2011, for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species.1. In July 2011, at its 62nd session, IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) adopted the "2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships' Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species" by resolution MEPC.207(62). The main purpose of these Guidelines is to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling, which identifies as an important means of transferring invasive aquatic species that may pose threats to the environment, human health, property and resources.2. The Guidelines as annexed to IMO resolution MEPC. 207(62) can be found on Marine Department Website at "http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/msnote/msin.html" attached to this MSIN.3. Shipowners, Ship Managers, Operators and Masters are advised to note the Guidelines.Source: Hong Kong Marine Department