WG 44: Biofouling Management

Lead Agency: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC)

Co-Sponsors:International Maritime Organization (IMO) and UN Environment

The working group will support the mandates and programmes of IMO and its GloFouling Partnerships, IOC and other agencies dealing with marine biofouling, with an emphasis on its role as a vector of the transfer of invasive aquatic species. It will also address data gaps, including those that have been highlighted through the respective relevant governing bodies of these organizations. The group will seek to identify areas of common scientific interest, monitor trends, provide consistency of scientific advice and facilitate the coordination of UN agency activities aimed at preventing the transfer of invasive aquatic species through marine biofouling.