IMO: Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships’ Biofouling

This publication provides a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling. These Guidelines were adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization at its sixty-second session, from 11 to 15 July 2011, in the form of resolution MEPC.207(62) and are the result of three years of consultation between IMO Member States. The Guidelines represent a decisive step towards regulating the transfer of aquatic invasive species by ships.

These Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (hereafter 'the Guidelines') are intended to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling.

As scientific and technological advances are made, the Guidelines will be refined to enable the risk to be more adequately addressed. Port States, flag States, coastal States and other parties that can assist in mitigating the problems associated with biofouling should exercise due diligence to implement the Guidelines to the maximum extent possible.