Bartlett Warns Ship Operators

An “explicit” warning was issued for biofouling removal and hull cleaning activities in Fiji.

The directive to marine service providers, agents, shipping companies and stakeholders, was issued by Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF).

It followed an earlier call for clarity by SunBiz over the regulatory powers governing hull cleaning and biofouling.

Such activities would now need the authority’s explicit approval.

“Applicants must submit a request to BAF for assessment and approval prior to conducting any biofouling or hull cleaning activities,” the authority said.

A hull inspection report, and endorsement by the Ministry of Waterways and Environment, are also mandatory measures under the new directive.

The directive was effective from November 17.

“No biofouling or hull cleaning activities should be conducted in Fiji waters without explicit approval from BAF,” according to an urgent alert from BAF.

“This measure is crucial in maintaining our marine environment’s ecological balance and biodiversity.

“Unregulated biofouling and hull cleaning pose significant threats to our local ecosystems and can lead to the introduction and spread of harmful aquatic species.”

In an earlier SunBiz report, BAF chief executive officer Michael Bartlett revealed that a few ships had been turned away from entry and hull cleansing in Fiji.

He had said BAF had received reports on dense fouling of barnacles and marine organisms on the hull, and other underwater surfaces of the vessel.

The concern was that the vessel was carrying invasive species which could devastate Fiji’s marine environment, so BAF either denied entry of such vessels into Fiji waters, or did not permit hull cleaning in Fiji waters.

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