Convening of the National GloFouling Taskforce
On 19 April 2024, the National GloFouling Taskforce gathered to address the global challenge of biofouling and develop Fiji’s strategy for its management and prevention. Fiji, one of the 12 Leading Partnering Countries (LPCs) spearheading this initiative, demonstrated its commitment to effectively addressing the issue under the chairmanship of Mr. Paula Baleilevuka, Permanent Secretary for the Fiji Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport. Mr. Baleilevuka underscored the importance of a collaborative approach, emphasizing that biofouling is not just a local issue but a global environmental challenge that requires coordinated efforts.
The Taskforce brought together stakeholders from various governmental bodies and organizations, each playing a crucial role in the comprehensive approach needed to tackle biofouling. There were contributions from the various stakeholders making up the Taskforce on the ecological impacts and regulatory measures essential for preserving marine biodiversity, perspectives on immigration controls and their relevance to managing biofouling through the movement of vessels, the impact of biofouling on fisheries and marine life, stressing the importance of maintaining healthy marine ecosystems for the sustainability of local fisheries and the logistical challenges and solutions related to vessel maintenance and cleaning procedures to prevent biofouling as well as the importance of biosecurity measures in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species.
The Taskforce brought together stakeholders from various governmental bodies and organizations, including the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Ministry of Fisheries, Department of Government Shipping Services, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, Fiji Police Force, Republic of the Fiji Navy, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Pacific Center for Maritime Studies, University of the South Pacific, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).This diverse assembly of stakeholders underscored the multifaceted nature of biofouling management, highlighting the necessity for a holistic and integrated approach. The Taskforce’s collaborative efforts aim to develop a robust national strategy that not only addresses the immediate challenges of biofouling but also sets a precedent for regional and global initiatives.