Biofouling and ballast water – advice for vessel owners

Biofouling and ballast water can introduce new marine pests and diseases to Australia, or spread them into South Australian waters from interstate.

Marine pests are virtually impossible to eradicate once established. They:

  • are highly adaptable
  • multiply rapidly
  • compete with native species
  • devastate the environment.

Marine pests can be hosts for infectious and notifiable diseases, threatening the sustainability of:

  • SA coastal industries
  • commercial and recreational fishing
  • aquaculture
  • tourism
  • marine environment health.

Vessel owners can help prevent the spread of marine pest species and diseases with good vessel cleaning practices and by managing their ballast water. It is important to follow the relevant guidelines and understand your obligations.

Biofouling

Biofouling (or fouling) is the accumulation of aquatic microorganisms, algae, plants and animals on vessel hulls and submerged surfaces.

Over 250 exotic marine organisms have been introduced into Australian waters by all types of vessels, from yachts to commercial ships. Up to 75 per cent of these likely arrived as biofouling organisms, attached to the external and internal surfaces of vessels.

Guidelines

These national guidelines will help you manage biofouling on your vessel or in your industry:

In addition to the national guidelines, please follow the International Maritime Organization (IMO) biofouling guidelines.

Management plan and record book

A biofouling management plan and record book should be consistently maintained as a measure to minimise biofouling.

This should meet all requirements under Appendix 2 of the Guidelines for the control and management of ships' biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species (PDF).

Ballast water

Ballast water is carried in a ship's ballast tanks to improve stability, balance and trim. The water is taken up or discharged when:

  • cargo is unloaded or loaded
  • a ship needs extra stability in foul weather.

When ships take on ballast water, plants and animals that live in the ocean are also picked up. Discharging this ballast water releases these organisms into new areas where they may become marine pests.

Vessel cleaning practices

  1. Clean hulls before leaving for new destinations to reduce the risk of marine pests spreading to other areas.
  2. Regularly inspect and clean areas prone to biofouling. Check for pests on:
    • boat hulls
    • internal sea water systems
    • anodes
    • docking strips
    • sea chests
    • pipe openings
    • propellers
    • shafts and rudders.
  3. Dry and maintain your equipment. Allow your boat 48 hours to dry and remove entangled seaweed and other organisms from:
    • ropes
    • anchors
    • buoys
    • other equipment.
  4. Apply suitable antifouling coating to the hull and cavities exposed to seawater and re-apply before the coating's lifespan expires. This is important for boats that remain in the water for extended periods.

High risk areas to inspect on your vessel

Image credit: Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Vessel cleaning facilities in SA

Benefits for vessel owners

Vessel maintenance prevents the introduction and spread of marine pests. It also provides:

  • increased vessel performance and speed
  • reduced day-to day running costs (lower fuel consumption)
  • reduced maintenance costs
  • extended life of vessel and gear
  • protection of our marine and estuarine environments for future generations.

Marine equipment cleaning

Marine equipment should also be regularly cleaned, particularly before moving to a new area. This includes:

  • fishing gear
  • aquaculture equipment
  • boat anchors
  • ropes
  • buoys.

Read the cleaning marine equipment fact sheet (PDF 175.7 KB).

Your obligations

It is illegal to:

  • bring noxious species or notifiable aquatic pests and diseases into South Australia
  • release or deposit exotic species into any waters.

Offences exist under the Fisheries Management Act 2007 and Livestock Act 1997. Penalties may apply of up to:

  • $250 000 for a body corporate
  • $120,000 for individuals.

PIRSA may order a vessel out of state waters, or immediately out of the water to be cleaned, if it is known to carry exotic/noxious species and poses a risk to South Australia.

The state’s Chief Veterinary Officer can order a vessel to be cleaned, or removed from state waters, if a notifiable disease is suspected or confirmed.

Obligations to manage ballast water and ballast tank sediment apply in all Australian waters, under the Commonwealth legislation and requirements.

Code of practice for vessel and facility management

South Australia’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended practices for biofouling and ballast water: Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters).

The code assists users to comply with their environmental duty, outlined in the Environment Protection Act 1993 and related policies.

It applies to people, organisations and agencies, including:

  • persons that own, operate and use vessels
  • vessel construction and maintenance facilities, such as:
    • slipways
    • launch facilities
  • vessel storage facilities, within or adjacent to South Australian waters, such as:
    • dry dock boat yards
    • marinas
    • moorings
    • boat and yacht clubs.

More information

Page last reviewed: 28 Sep 2023

 


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