We work with many international organisations and governments to improve biofouling management globally.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO is the United Nations’ specialised agency responsible for safety and security of shipping and prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. IMO's work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The IMO released the 2023 Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species for vessels to manage their biofouling and meet an agreed standard for management. Visit the IMO website for more information on international biofouling partnerships and guidance.
Glofouling Partnerships project
GloFouling Partnerships is an international collaboration between the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations Development Programme, and the IMO. The project addresses the issue of aquatic species transfer through biofouling in developing nations and small-island developing states. Australia is a strategic partner in the GloFouling Partnerships project and will work with our regional partners and the global community to support the uptake and implementation of the IMO biofouling guidelines for the control and management of ship biofouling.
The Glofouling International Maritime Organization website has more information on the project.
Prominent international governments
We work with several international governments to manage biofouling including:
- New Zealand
- Canada
- United States of America - states of Washington, California and Hawaii.
For more information, see the below websites:
New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries
Biofouling management | NZ Government (mpi.govt.nz)
Canada, Transport Canada
Managing biofouling (canada.ca)
United States of America – Environmental Protection Agency
United States – Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources
Aquatic Invasive Species | Biofouling (hawaii.gov)
United States – Washington State, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Ballast water | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife