Tag: invasive species

Danish Shipping adopted policy on Biofouling Management per IMO guidelines aiming to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity at seas.

The maritime industry had 18 months to adjust to Australia's biofouling management rules, which ended in December 2023. Now, vessels visiting Australian waters are expected to fully comply with these regulations.

A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reveals that the global economic cost of invasive alien species exceeded $423 billion annually in 2019, with costs having at least quadrupled every decade since 1970.

The IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 10), 24-28 April 2023, approved the revised Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species, following a comprehensive review of the Guidelines.  

In June 2022, new requirements on biofouling management entered into force for ships in Australia, reminding us that the problem is yet to reach its peak, amid a continuous increase in seaborne trade.

A new animation video produced by the German Maritime and Hydrographic Agency who is one of the GloFouling strategic partners, explains the issue of invasive species and its link to biofouling and recreational boating in the Baltic Sea.

As of June 15, 2022, Australia will require all vessels entering, or intending to enter, Australian territorial waters on any voyage that commenced outside Australian territorial waters to carry a compliant Biofouling Management Plan and associated Record Book.

The Government of Canada is taking action to limit the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in ballast water.

Following the release of the first industry standard on in-water cleaning of ships, developed by BIMCO and ICS, IMO asked to include it in its on-going work.

Biological invasions are responsible for substantial biodiversity declines as well as high economic losses to society and monetary expenditures associated with the management of these invasion.