Vessel biofouling management in Antarctica

Biofouling is the accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces, which can facilitate the transport of organisms when biofouling grows on vessels or floating objects such as wood, plastic or kelp rafts. On vessels, biofouling has been identified as the main pathway by which marine non-native species are transported worldwide. Despite this, there is currently a lack of international regulation on the management of biofouling, regarding vessels in particular, with non-binding guidelines produced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and fewer than five countries with mandatory national legislation. However, the IMO began work in April 2025 towards the implementation of a legally binding instrument on biofouling. The Southern Ocean is the only remaining region worldwide with no known established populations of non-native marine species, but rising vessel activity and global climate change are increasing the likelihood of non-native species introduction, survival and establishment. The lack of international and Antarctic-specific guidance or legislation on biofouling management leaves Antarctic marine ecosystems highly vulnerable to non-native marine species introductions and implementation of appropriate biofouling management policies would reduce these risks