April 8, 2022

New biofouling rules in Australia

Pictured: a heavily bio-fouled cable in France. The cable is covered with aquatic plants, bacteria and sponges. Biofouling can block up water pipes and, on a ship, causes inefficiency as the vessel moves through the water. Biofouling can help spread marine organisms around the world and, when out of their native habitat, they can proliferate and become pests. Photo by Lamiot, via Wikipedia.

New information-provision rules for managing biofouling will take effect on 15 June 2022.

“Biofouling” refers to the attachment and growth of marine organism on submerged structures and on the underwater parts of a ship such as the wetted area of the hull, propeller, and anchor.

What ship operators will have to do

Ship operators will be required to provide information on how biofouling has been managed before arriving in Australian territorial waters, which is about 12 nautical miles from the coast (about 22.2 km). Ship operators will report the data through the Department’s Maritime Arrivals Reporting System.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment reports that the information provided will be used to target its interventions. Vessel operators will receive less interventions if they comply with one of three accepted biofouling management practices:

  • Implementation of an effective biofouling management plan;
  • Have cleaned all biofouling within 30 days prior to arriving in Australian territory
  • Implementation of an alternative biofouling management method pre-approved by the DAWE.

Information to be included in the report includes details of any inspections for, cleaning of, or treatment for, biofouling either before a vessel’s arrival in Australian territory or during its time in Australia. Other information sought includes details of any practices in any plan of biofouling management and details of a ship’s voyage history over the last 12 months.

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, state that from 15 June to 15 December 2023, an “education first” approach will be taken.

About biofouling

The International Maritime Organization has adopted “Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species“. The IMO reports that vessel biofouling and the ballast water of ships can be pathways for the spread of marine organisms around the world.

A wide range of organisms – both plants and animals – can attach themselves to ships. These include algae, sponges, anemones, molluscs and crustaceans (barnacles), about 4,000 different species in total.

Examples of invasive marine species in Australia include “Asterias amurensis,” (the North Pacific Seastar) from the North West Pacific Ocean. The Seastar is a “voracious carnivorous feeder” and a “prolific breeder”. It eats the eggs of certain fish species, along with sessile creatures such as mussels, scallops, and clams which can be detrimental to aquaculture and wild fisheries. Another prolific invader is “Carcinus maenas,” (the European Shore Crab), another voracious predator on molluscs and crustaceans. It can also out-compete native species and can cause damage through its behaviour, such as burrowing.

Further reading:

Managing biofouling in Australia

Biosecurity Amendment (Biofouling management) Regulations 2021 (Explanatory Statement)

“Biosecurity Amendment (Biofouling management) Regulations 2021”

Biosecurity Regulation 2016

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Search

Become a Member

Membership is open to all ship owners, operators and agents both Australian and International providing services to or within Australia.

Upcoming Events

May 8
Shipping Australia QLD Shipping Industry Golf Day
Join friends and colleagues for an enjoyable day, followed by a sumptuous dinner at the 2024 SAL QLD Shipping Industry Golf Day. The Golf Day will once again be held at the Wynnum Golf Club (located in beautiful Bayside and meanders over 31 hectares of picturesque parkland) on 8th May 2024. Ticket price includes: Light...
May 16
Shipping Australia Victoria 2024 Golf Day
The 8th Phil Kelly OAM Perpetual Golf Challenge Latrobe Golf Club, 8 Farm Road, Alphington VIC 3078 Format – 4 Ball Ambrose Thursday 16th May 2024 The 2024 SAL VIC Golf Day will be held on Thursday 16th May 2024 at the scenic Latrobe Golf Club.  Come along and enjoy a great course and scenery. ...

Latest News

Wollongong has a “promising” future for shipping, says NSW Planning Minister
Wollongong, as a centre for industry, mining, and shipping has “promising” future, the Hon Paul Scully MP, Member for Wollongong and the NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces told guests to the Shipping Australia Port Kembla Biennial Luncheon. The Minister told guests that, in January, the Freight Policy Reform Program began and it will...
Shipping Australia Victoria 2024 Golf Day: The 8th Phil Kelly OAM Perpetual Golf Challenge
The 2024 SAL VIC Golf Day will be held on Thursday 16th May 2024 at the scenic Latrobe Golf Club. Come along and enjoy a great course and scenery. Latrobe Golf Club is a beautiful course in the leafy suburb of Alphington, just 10 Km from Melbourne’s CBD. It is bordered on two sides by...

Latest Magazine

Shipping Australia – Annual Review 2023
January, 2024

Subscribe to the Signal Newsletter

Be the first to know about releases and industry news and insights or catch up on any editions you missed.