How to manage biofouling spread for recreational boating

Abraham Smith

The GloFouling Partnerships, led by the IMO and in collaboration with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), World Sailing and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), have released a new Biofouling Management for Recreational Boating Report.

TThe report aims to stop the spread of invasive aquatic species that can attach themselves to hulls and other areas of recreational craft by addressing biofouling management.

The report provides an overview of invasive aquatic species thought to have been introduced to different areas of the world through recreational boating. Current regulations and guidelines as well as an overview of antifouling paints are presented.

It also includes guidance and posters on best practices to prevent the spread of invasive species and ensure biosecurity:

  • Guide for all trailer boat users, including equipment and personal gear – Covers ski and wake boats, fishing boats, sailing dinghies, canoes, kayaks, windsurfers and SUPs.
  • Guidance for Yachts and Power Boats – Local Coastal/Estuary Cruising – Covers boats of all sizes that are stored over water in marinas, harbors or moorings during the season.
  • Guide to Long Distance Cruising or Delivery – Yachts and Power Boats – Covers extended cruising and delivery trips between countries and continents, organized rallies and solo adventures.
  • Guidance for marinas, sailing clubs, boat washes and slipways – operators of these facilities play a critical role in preventing the arrival and spread of invasive aquatic species (IAS) by promoting good biofouling management practices.

As the IMO says, some species – like the killer shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus – cannot survive in dry conditions, so “Check, Clean, Dry” has become the mantra to prevent their spread. Native to the Black Sea and Caspian Sea regions, the killer shrimp was introduced to the waters of Norfolk in the UK – via a boat, windsurfers or even fishing tackle. Larger than the native British shrimp, it is an aggressive hunter, feeding on native freshwater shrimp, dragonflies, boaters, and small fish and eggs.

Other species can be carried in larval form on clothing such as wetsuits. An example of this is the veliger (larvae) of quagga or zebra mussels. These shells can litter beaches, and decaying shells create a foul odor. The quagga mussel Dreissena rostriformis bugensis is originally from Ukraine and is now common in North America. This species has been identified as the top invasive species threat to the UK.