IMO action on invasive species highlighted at UN Ocean Conference

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is stepping up efforts to combat the threat of invasive species introduced into new marine environments by ships.

The accumulation of various aquatic organisms on ships' hulls - known as "biofouling" - poses a serious threat to ocean health and biodiversity. Marine species carried in ballast water or on hulls can become invasive, outcompete native species and spread rapidly.

At a side event during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice (9-13 June) co-hosted by Norway, Fiji and the IMO, delegates outlined the ongoing efforts to curb this threat, including moves towards global mandatory regulations.

"I'm encouraged by the commitment of Member States to find concrete solutions for safe and environmentally friendly shipping," said Norway's Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Mr. Bjelland Eriksen while opening the event.

Norway has supported technical assistance projects such as GloFouling and TEST Biofouling, which help countries implement IMO's guidelines on the control and management of biofouling, through policy reform, capacity-building, and the adoption of new technologies.

"It's projects like these that are leading the way in demonstrating that we put action behind the statements and commitments we make," said IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez.

Ms. Chanel Mafi Mavoa, Legal Officer at the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, shared how the GloFouling Partnership helped address legal gaps, improve data collection, and overcome limited technical capacity in Fiji.

"Fiji's attention and priority given to biofouling has definitely been enhanced by this project," she said, noting that Fiji co-sponsored the proposal for an IMO legally binding framework, enabling small island states to better manage this global issue.

The event also featured a range of technical perspectives:

• Mr. Sveinung Oftedal, Norway's Chief Negotiator for Green Shipping, outlined regulatory developments;
• Ms. Gyorgyi Gurban, IMO Head of Project Implementation, presented Silent Invaders, a short film examining biofouling impacts in the Mediterranean;
• Prof. Vigdis Vandvik of the University of Bergen emphasized the human role in both the problem and the solution;
• Ms. Bente Pretlove, Vice President and Programme Director - Ocean Space at DNV, gave an overview of emerging technologies for biofouling control, including anti-fouling coatings and in-water cleaning techniques.

The event was part of the IMO's wider effort at the UN Ocean Conference to spotlight its work in safeguarding the marine environment.