Exotic marine species have the potential to become serious pests to the detriment of Australian marine ecological communities. Management of ship ballast water and biofouling is the key control to prevent the spread of these species.All international vessels arriving at Fremantle are required to manage their ballast water in accordance with the Australian Ballast Water Management Requirements. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) provides further information to assist operators to comply with the requirements.
In Western Australia, the Department of Fisheries is the responsible agency for marine biosecurity including the control and prevention of introduced marine species through biofouling.
The Department of Fisheries is working with the National Introduced Marine Pests Coordination Group (NIMPCG), within the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), to implement the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions.
Fremantle Ports requires vessels within port limits manage biofouling in accordance with the National Biofouling Management Guidelines.
Guidelines for commercial, fishing and recreational vessels are available for download from the Australian Government’s Marine Pests website.
In-water cleaning of vessels is generally not allowed in Fremantle Ports waters in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council (ANZECC) Code of Practice for Antifouling and In-water Hull Cleaning and Maintenance (1997) (currently under review).
Further details for Ship Masters are available in the Port Information Guide.