Protecting the Country from Bio-invasion, a Case Study of Biofouling Management in Indonesia

Abstract

The introduction of Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) to new environments by ships has been identified as a major threat to world’s oceans and the conservation of biodiversity. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has international efforts to tackle IAS by taking the transfer of non-indigenous organisms through shipping. In response to global oncerns about risks associated with ship-borne biofouling, the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships Project (GFP) was launched, involving several Lead Partnering Countries (LPC) to conduct national rapid status assessment concerning to the current situation of biofouling in LPC, including Indonesia. This rapid national status assessment in Indonesia is carried out to determine the essential needs for developing a future national biofouling strategy and related initiatives in Indonesia. This study and assessment include the marine sectors may act as pathway for IAS into Indonesia through biofouling, the resource and socio-economic risk from biofouling, the existing policy associated with biofouling management issues, the existing gaps, capacity needs and required reforms to manage biofouling issue in Indonesia. The assessment is carried by using the guidance provided by Glofouling guide.