Ecuador takes national approach to fight marine biofouling

Maritime officials in Ecuador have reached an agreement concerning a national information network aimed at connecting ports, vessel operators and environmental authorities to help address the rising issue(s) of biofouling.

The development is reportedly one of a set of ‘vital’ outcomes that stemmed from a recent workshop delivered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and held together with the Maritime Technology Cooperation Center Caribbean (MTCC Caribbean) as well as the Armada del Ecuador.

The event was held in Malta, Ecuador at the very beginning of October.

According to officials from the IMO, the workshop was held as part of the IMO-NOARD TEST biofouling project, which is a worldwide initiative that is focused on providing support to developing countries so that they can bolster their capacity to manage biofouling (defined as the unwanted accumulation of aquatic organisms on ships’ hulls), prevent the transfer of invasive aquatic species (IAS) and cut down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vessels.

As elaborated, IMO–Norad TEST Biofouling National Demonstration Pilot gathering saw “renewed commitment” among maritime authorities, port administrators, research institutions and industry stakeholders, all of whom pledged to