280 likes | 430 Views
2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships’ Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species. James River Reserve Fleet. Relevance of Hull Biofouling. Shipping identified as a major vector of organism transfers on a global scale
E N D
2011 Guidelines for the Control and Management of Ships’ Biofouling to Minimize the Transfer of Invasive Aquatic Species James River Reserve Fleet
Relevance of Hull Biofouling • Shipping identified as a major vector of organism transfers on a global scale • Bias in ecological research toward ballast-mediated transfers • Very little data exist on hull biofouling • Hull fouling transfer of organisms has been historically important • Photo by Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, http://www.serc.si.edu • Photos by Aquatic Bioinvasion Research and Policy Insitiute, Portland State University, http://www.clr.pdx.edu
IMO Activity • MEPC 56 (2007) – high priority item assigned for inclusion in the work programme of BLG • BLG 13 (2009) - agrees to develop Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species • Adopted 15 July 2011, Resolution MEPC.207(62)
Biofouling is influenced by • Design and construction, particularly the number, location and design of niche areas • Operating profile • Places visited and trading routes • Maintenance history
Guidelines Sections • Biofouling Management Plan • Measures to be undertaken on the ship • Record Book • Records of practices implemented • AFS Installation and Maintenance • Procedures for Ship Maintenance & Recycling Facilities • In-water Inspection and Cleaning • Design and Construction Considerations • Dissemination of Information • Training and Education (masters and crew)
The Biofouling Management Plan Should be specific to each ship and kept with documentation. Should address: • Details of AFS & operational practices/treatments used, including those for niche areas • Hull locations susceptible to biofouling, schedule of planned inspections, repairs, maintenance and renewal of AFS • Details of the recommended operating conditions and practices suitable for the chosen AFS • Details relevant for the safety of the crew including details of the AFS
Biofouling Record Book Should record details of all inspection and biofouling management measures undertaken. Includes: • Details of AFS and operational practices used, where/when installed, areas coated, maintenance, etc. • Dates/locations of dry dockings/slippings and any measures taken to remove biofouling or renew/repair AFS • Dates/locations of in-water inspections, results, corr. actions • Dates/details of inspections of internal sea water cooling systems • Details of when ship operated outside of its normal profile, including layup or long periods of inactivity
AFS Installation & Maintenance AFS and operational practices are the primary means of BF prevention and control for the hull and niche areas. Guidelines provide: • Factors to consider when choosing an AFS and for installing, reinstalling or repairing the AFS (such as surface preps and care for sea chests).
Procedures for Maintenance and Recycling Facilities • Capture biological material removed • Treat all biological material removed • Schedule arrivals to/departures from facilities to minimize risks • Remove all fouling while in dry dock
80 f • 80 f • Rudder • Propellers • Propeller Shaft Sampling the hull and survey methods • A • D • B • E • C
Survey Methods (Contd.) • C • A • D • B
x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1 • 8 • 7 • 6 • 5 • x • 9 • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • 9 • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x • x
Beaumont Hulls • A • C • B • D • Underwater photographs ~12x18 cm
Pre-Cleaning Hull Status(frame 14 on hull) Waterline Keel
Effects of Hull Cleaning • Number of Species per sample (mean ± SE) • Abundance per sample (mean ± SE) • Percentage Cover (mean ± SE)
Where do we go from here? Develop ISO standards to be developed to assist industry in implementing elements of the Guidelines • In-water survey methods to determine effectiveness of husbandry actions? • Other?