Biofouling, the accumulation of organisms like algae, barnacles, and mollusks on submerged surfaces, presents significant economic and environmental risks to Pacific communities. These risks include decreased vessel efficiency, increased fuel consumption, disrupted marine ecosystems, and the introduction of invasive species to new areas. Invasive aquatic species are non-native organisms that can severely impact ecosystems, biodiversity, and human activities, often spreading through ballast water discharge, vessel hulls, or aquaculture activities.
The Pacific region, with its extensive coastlines, is especially susceptible to the effects of biofouling. In response, the GloFouling Regional Taskforce held its second meeting on 17-18 July 2023 to address this issue. The meeting focused on effective biofouling management strategies, including hull cleaning and coating technologies, regulatory frameworks, and best practices.
Representatives from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, New Zealand, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu attended the two-day meeting, which was opened by Mr. George Tavo, Acting Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport. He emphasized the region’s shared goal of addressing and mitigating the impact of biofouling.
“This is why we are here today, to combat this issue as a Region, with the collective aim of addressing and mitigating the impacts of biofouling in our own backyard before looking worldwide,” Mr. Tavo said.
The meeting also included delegates from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and representatives from key organizations such as the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the University of the South Pacific (USP), the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre in the Pacific (MTCC-Pacific).
The GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships Project is a global initiative that unites key partners to address the global environmental issue of invasive aquatic species introduced via biofouling. The project has gained significant attention in recent years due to the increasing global challenge of managing biofouling and invasive aquatic species.
Recognizing the need for a collaborative approach, the second Pacific Meeting brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from Pacific countries to discuss strategies, share knowledge, and develop coordinated actions to mitigate the adverse effects of biofouling and invasive species in the region.
Each Pacific State provided updates on their GloFouling activities and other efforts to manage biofouling and invasive aquatic species. Participants shared their experiences and expertise to develop a comprehensive approach that balances economic viability and environmental sustainability. With the assistance of IMO representatives, the delegates successfully drafted a preliminary regional strategy and action plan for managing biofouling and invasive aquatic species.
This development marks a promising step forward for the Regional Taskforce in managing biofouling and invasive aquatic species within the region. Fiji, as one of the Leading Partnering Countries (LPCs) in the region, along with Tonga, will preside over the first meeting of the Regional Taskforce.
