IMO Resolution MEPC.378(80): biofouling and invasive species

The International Maritime Organization Marine Environment Protection Committee has adopted the 2023 Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species.

Resolution MEPC.378(80) was adopted on 7 July 2023.

Foreword

The Marine Environment Protection Committee, recalling Article 38 of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization concerning the functions of the Marine Environment Protection Committee relating to any matter within the scope of the Organization concerned with the prevention and control of marine pollution from ships,

Recalling also that Member States of the International Maritime Organization made a clear commitment to minimizing the transfer of invasive aquatic species by shipping in adopting the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004,

Recalling further that studies have shown biofouling on ships to be an important means of transferring invasive aquatic species which, if established in new ecosystems, may pose threats to the environment, human health, property, and resources,

Noting the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992, and that the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework includes a target to eliminate, minimize, reduce, and/or mitigate the impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem services by identifying and managing pathways of the introduction of alien species,

Noting also that the transfer and introduction of invasive aquatic species through ships' biofouling threatens the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and implementing practices to control and manage ships' biofouling can greatly assist in reducing the risk of the transfer of invasive aquatic species,

Noting further that this issue, being of worldwide concern, demands a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling,

Recalling that, at its sixty-second session, it had adopted, by resolution MEPC.207(62), the 2011 Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (Biofouling Guidelines), developed by the Sub-Committee on Bulk Liquids and Gases,

Recalling also that, at its seventy-second session, it had agreed to review the Biofouling Guidelines, with a view to amending the Guidelines, if required,

Having considered, at its eightieth session, the draft revised Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species, developed by the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response,

Adopts the 2023 Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species, as set out in the annex to the present resolution;

Requests Member States to take urgent action in applying these Guidelines, including the dissemination thereof to the shipping industry and other interested parties, taking these Guidelines into account when adopting measures to minimize the risk of introducing invasive aquatic species via biofouling, and reporting to MEPC on any experience gained in their implementation;

Agrees to keep these Guidelines under review in light of the experience gained;

Revokes resolution MEPC.207(62).