From September 30 to October 2, 2024, the Philippines, through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), took a proactive role as a Lead Partnering Country (LPC) of the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships project by spearheading the Awareness-Raising Event on Biofouling Management for Recreational Vessels during the Blue Economy Annual Trade and Conference (BEACON) Exposition 2024.
Recreational boats play a significant role in the secondary introduction and local spread of Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) (please see the report on Biofouling Management for Recreational Boating). As vessels move between ports, marinas, and coastal areas, biofouling— the accumulation of marine organisms on hulls, propellers, and other niche areas—can transport non-native species to new environments. This unintentional movement of IAS can disrupt local ecosystems, harm biodiversity, and negatively impact coastal industries. Regular maintenance and biofouling management are essential steps that recreational boaters can take to prevent the spread of these harmful species and protect marine environments.
This event underscored the importance of biofouling management in the recreational boating sector, highlighting key recommendations to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species. The event was also an opportunity for participants to take part in a virtual reality biofouling experience made available to participants by the GloFouling Partnerships project. Visitors to MARINA’s booth had the opportunity to visualize biofouling on various parts of vessels, such as hulls, propellers, and other critical areas.
As part of this awareness initiative, Dr. Won-Tae Shin, Regional Project Manager of PEMSEA, delivered an engaging presentation on October 1, 2024, at the 4th Marine Environment Protection Forum, held alongside BEACON. Dr. Shin’s talk emphasized the environmental and economic impacts of biofouling species in the East Asian Seas region. He also presented a comprehensive regional strategy for biofouling management developed with the support of PEMSEA and IMO GloFouling Partnerships, offering crucial guidance for East Asian Seas (EAS) countries to develop their national biofouling management strategies. This strategy was adopted by ASEAN member states during the 47th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) Meeting.
The forum was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, shipping companies, ship owners, maritime institutions, and other organizations involved in the maritime sector.
This event marks an important step in raising awareness about biofouling management in the recreational sector, fostering collaboration across the maritime industry, and promoting sustainable practices that protect marine ecosystems.
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