Aquatic Invasive Species

On June 22^nd and 23^rd of 2015, an in-water cleaning and biofouling workshop was organized by DLNR (Division of Aquatic Resources) for state agency, IWC vendors, and maritime industry stakeholders to 1) learn about the biosecurity risks associated with aquatic invasive species transfer via IWC of vessels and 2) to gain the input of the participants on developing a viable solution for this complex problem.  The PowerPoint PDFs provided below were presented at the workshop and provide background research and scientific data for the necessity of developing and implementing vessel biofouling regulations and IWC policies for the State of Hawaii.

• Biosecurity Risks of In Water Cleaning of Vessels (Zabin)
• In Water Cleaning Technologies (Zabin)
• Introduction to Hull Fouling (Godwin)
• Vessel In-Water Cleaning in Australia (Gorgula)
• Hawaii State Regulations and In Water Cleaning of Vessels (Tanimoto)
• Biofouling Management and In Water Cleaning in California (Scianni)
• In Water Cleaning. Perspectives from the Ends of the World (Georgiades)

In summary, vessel biofouling poses a significant biosecurity risk to our coral reef ecosystems; in water cleaning of fouled vessels may exacerbate this risk in some cases, depending on the type of IWC technique and the level of ship fouling.  Dry-docking or hauling out a vessel for cleaning, though least risky among the two other options, is time-consuming and costly.  Therefore, the biosecurity risks associated with IWC and vessel biofouling can be reduced through:

• Developing and enforcing vessel biofouling regulations and compliance standards
• Developing IWC policies and best management practices (ie: removal, capture, and neutralization of toxic paint chips and fouling organisms)
• Developing vessel biofouling risk assessment tools
• Approving IWC technologies that meet compliance standards
• Mobilizing IWC companies and vessel operators to meet compliance standards
• Public outreach and education
• Acquire the Alien Organism Task Force (AAOTF*) input on the above topics

*Alien Aquatic Organism Task Force (AAOTF) consists of experts within state and federal agencies, commercial and recreational maritime industries, scientists, vector management system vendors, and international government agencies who contribute their expertise towards developing viable solutions for addressing aquatic biosecurity issues.