In-water cleaning (IWC) of vessels is not allowed in the State of Hawai`i due to the potential biosecurity risks and release of vessel antifouling paint that may degrade water quality. However, IWC of vessels is a useful method of biofouling management between dry-dockings, thereby minimizing biosecurity risks associated with overgrowth in addition to improving vessel fuel efficiency and concomitantly, carbon emissions.
DLNR seeks to coordinate a resolution among overlapping jurisdictions on IWC of vessels through the adoption of the HISC IWC Resolution 18-1 (adopted January 18, 2018) by the HISC Council, which includes department heads representing Hawai`i DOT, DOH, DLNR, DBEDT, DOA, and the University of Hawai`i. The HISC IWC Resolution recognizes the need for high-level coordination among government agencies with overlapping jurisdictions on vessel IWC, to develop conditions for (1) allowing IWC of vessels that pose minimal biosecurity and hull paint release risks, and (2) supporting data collection and testing of IWC debris capture technology in Hawai`i in collaboration with the Alliance for Coastal Technologies (ACT).
An update on the progress of the HISC IWC Resolution implementation was provided in a Brown Bag presentation on February 2, 2018. The PDF powerpoint can be accessed here: AAOTF Brown Bag_upload
Additionally, reference material that will be used to develop IWC conditions include the following links from the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, the federal agency managing biosecurity risks associated with vessel biofouling in New Zealand:
MPI website – Vessel biofouling
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/importing/border-clearance/vessels/arrival-process-steps/biofouling/
Technical documentation
Risk Analysis: Vessel Biofouling
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/2863
Science underpinning the thresholds proposed in the CRMS: Biofouling on vessels arriving to New Zealand
https://mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/4148
Note this is now been published in Marine Science and Technology Journal:
Georgiades E. & D. Kluza (2017). Evidence-based decision making to underpin the thresholds in New Zealand’s CRMS: biofouling on vessels arriving to New Zealand. Marine Science and Technology Journal. 51(2): 76-88.
Research outputs related to biofouling
Vessel biofouling as a vector for the introduction of non-indigenous marine species to New Zealand: Slow-moving barges and oil platforms https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/7332
Vessel biofouling as a vector for the introduction of non-indigenous marine species to New Zealand: Fishing vesselshttps://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/7335
Scenarios of Vessel Biofouling Risk and their Management An evaluation of options
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/4029
In-water cleaning of vessels: Biosecurity and chemical contamination risks
https://mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/4092
In-water cleaning technologies – Review of information
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/10814
Procedures for evaluating in-water systems to remove or treat vessel biofouling
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/10811
Assessment of preventative biofouling management measures
https://mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/14530
In-water systems to remove or treat biofouling in vessel sea chests and internal pipework
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/11821
Please contact [email protected] with any questions or comments.