| Understanding biofouling |
An IMO workshop in Swakupmund, Namibia (10-12 November), has addressed ways to reduce the effects of biofouling, which occurs when aquatic organisms accumulate on ships’ hulls with potentially harmful effects for marine ecosystems.
Officials involved in protecting the east African marine environment discussed how to manage the issue, including how to implement IMO’s 2011 Biofouling Guidelines, which provide a globally consistent approach to managing biofouling, and reducing the transfer of invasive aquatic species by ships. Representatives from the Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and the United Republic of Tanzania participated in the event.
