Regulating Vessel Biofouling to Support New Zealand’s Marine Biosecurity System – A Blue Print for Evidence-Based Decision Making

Introduction

What Are We Protecting?

A healthy marine environment is critical to the world’s economic, environmental, and socio-cultural values. As such, the impacts posed by the introduction and spread of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) associated with vessels are a global concern (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2017c; Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO], 2018; Carlton et al., 2019).

New Zealand’s marine environment is a global biodiversity hotspot, containing a substantial amount (∼80%) of the country’s biodiversity (New Zealand Government, 2000). Further, endemic species account for >50% of known marine species (Costello et al., 2010). The majority (>90%) of New Zealand’s population live within 50 km of the coastline, with >60% residing within 5 km (Statistics New Zealand, 2015a, b), hence the marine environment serves as a hub for many recreational activities (Allen et al., 2009). Māori regard the marine environment as a tāonga (treasured possession), which is integral to their culture, identity, spirituality, and mythology (Moon, 2015). This environment is important to tangata whenua (indigenous people; born of the land) by providing sustenance, with the mana (prestige, status) of hapu (kinship group) and iwi (large kinship group) based on the provision of hospitality in the form of kaimoana (seafood, shellfish) (Morgan, 2006; Wehi et al., 2013). The export revenue generated from New Zealand’s wild and cultured fisheries is $NZD 1.8 billion (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2019). Further, the New Zealand Government’s aquaculture strategy supports this industry’s goal to grow to $NZD 3 billion in annual sales by 2035 (New Zealand Government, 2019).

The diverse range of ecosystems contained within New Zealand’s marine environment provides a range of suitable habitats for the establishment and spread of marine NIS (Inglis, 2001; Beaumont et al., 2008). The potential to introduce and spread NIS is centered on activities within coastal areas such as shipping and boating (e.g., Floerl et al., 2009; Ferrario et al., 2017). Moreover, conditions that favor the establishment of NIS are created by human impacts on this environment (e.g., pollution, sedimentation, and anthropogenic structures) (e.g., Crooks et al., 2011; McKenzie et al., 2012; Simkanin et al., 2012).

There is a long history of vessels being identified as vectors of NIS introduction and spread (Chilton, 1910; Allen, 1953; Skerman, 1960). However, it wasn’t until the latter part of the 20th century that the risks associated with the translocation of marine NIS were widely recognized (e.g., Carlton and Geller, 1993). New Zealand annually receives >3,000 vessel arrivals which transport 98% of traded goods (Inglis, 2001; New Zealand Customs Service [NZCS], 2008, 2010), and significant economic benefits are derived from marine service provision (Inglis et al., 2012).

International vessels arrive to New Zealand throughout the year, with peak activity occurring during spring and summer due to the influx of recreational and cruise vessels (Inglis et al., 2012). The major sources of marine biosecurity risk associated with international vessel arrivals are ballast water discharges and biofouling. Managing these risks is the role of the Ministry for Primary Industries¹ (MPI²), New Zealand’s lead government agency for managing biosecurity. The Biosecurity Act 1993 (New Zealand Parliament, 1993) is the legal framework that enables MPI to manage the arrival and establishment of NIS through the development of science- and risk-based regulations.

In addition to the Biosecurity Act, the management of marine NIS in New Zealand’s domestic environment is governed by a variety of legislation³ and policies, including but not limited to: the Resource Management Act (1991), New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, Maritime Transport Act (1994), the Resource Management (Marine Pollution) Regulations (1998), the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (1996), and the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act (2012). Agencies responsible for administering these legislation include the Department of Conservation, Maritime New Zealand, Environmental Protection Authority, and regional councils (i.e., local government). Use of the above legislation and policies to manage marine domestic pathways was reviewed by Sinner et al. (2013).

Ballast Water

Until recently, ballast water was widely considered the most significant pathway for marine vessel-based NIS translocations due to the hypothetically extreme risk of successfully translocating an entire ecosystem (Carlton et al., 1995; Gollasch et al., 2002; Minton et al., 2005). Further, the advent of effective biocidal antifouling paints (particularly tributyltin-based paints) was considered to have managed vessel biofouling (Lewis, 2004). In 1998, MPI introduced mandatory measures to manage the risks associated with ballast water discharges from international vessel arrivals (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2005). In 2004, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global regulatory authority responsible for safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable international shipping, adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2004). The Convention formally entered into force on September 8th 2017 (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2017b) and requires risk management through the installation and use of ballast water treatment systems. The Convention is currently in a 5-year experience-building phase for the purpose of producing evidence-based amendments. With a few exceptions, all internationally trading vessels (i.e., ships that carry ballast water) will have to install a treatment system by 2024. Currently, eligible vessels must carry a ballast water management plan and record book, and an international ballast water management certificate (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2017a).

New Zealand’s ability to meet its obligations under international maritime agreements, e.g., the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), are enabled by the Maritime Transport Act through Maritime New Zealand. Maritime New Zealand is the national agency responsible for the safety, security, and protection of coastal and inland waterways, and acts as Port State Control.

New Zealand acceded to The Convention on June 13th 2018. New Zealand’s obligations under The Convention were reflected in updates to the Maritime Transport Act (1994) (New Zealand Parliament, 1994) and Maritime New Zealand’s Marine Protection Rules Part 300 (Maritime New Zealand, 2018).

Biofouling

In the late 1990’s, the significance of vessel biofouling as a pathway for marine NIS translocations was becoming more apparent (James and Hayden, 2000; Ruiz et al., 2000; Hewitt et al., 2004). In New Zealand, it was determined that 69–90% of known marine NIS may have been introduced via vessel biofouling (Cranfield et al., 1998). Kospartov et al. (2008) later refined this figure to ∼87%. Other jurisdictions, including parts of the United States (Eldredge and Carlton, 2002; Fofonoff et al., 2003), Australia (Hewitt et al., 2004) and Japan (Otani, 2006) also identified that the vessel biofouling pathway was likely responsible for the introduction of a large proportion of marine NIS.

Variations in biofouling type and amount have been long associated with vessel class, maintenance regime, and operational profile (Stubbings, 1947; Skerman, 1960; James and Hayden, 2000; Lewis, 2004). Hence, the biosecurity risk posed by vessel biofouling can vary between vessels, as well as being specific to each vessel both temporally and spatially. In the early 2000’s, MPI identified the risk posed by biofouling on internationally arriving vessels to New Zealand values as a significant knowledge gap. As such, a two-pronged approach was applied to investigate the risks to New Zealand and to raise these initial concerns and MPI’s ongoing research findings internationally through the IMO.

Biofouling on International Vessels Arriving to New Zealand

To better understand and potentially manage vessel biofouling risks in a New Zealand context, MPI commissioned a research survey of internationally arriving vessels. The research objectives were to determine the:

• Identity (species), origin (native, NIS, cryptogenic) and extent of biofouling on vessels;

• Relationship between NIS presence and biofouling extent;

• Influences on NIS presence and biofouling extent (e.g., maintenance regimes and operational profile) (Inglis et al., 2010).

Between 2004 and 2007, 508 internationally arriving vessels were sampled, including recreational vessels (n = 186), fishing vessels (n = 3), passenger vessels (n = 49), and merchant vessels (i.e., bulk carriers, container vessels, tankers, etc.; n = 270). Vessels were sampled within 2 weeks of entering a New Zealand port (Inglis et al., 2010).

Findings from the research program demonstrated that:

• All major vessel types entering New Zealand are likely to be fouled;

• NIS were found on ∼60% of vessels, and >30% of vessels had NIS that were unestablished in New Zealand;

• Of the 187 species identified, >68% were NIS; of these, 73% were not yet established;

• >37% of NIS were recorded on a single vessel, meaning that a much larger range of species may be arriving than captured by this research survey;

• There was a positive relationship between a vessel’s biofouling extent and the number of NIS present;

• Biofouling primarily consisted of barnacles, tubeworms, bryozoans, bivalves, and macroalgae;

• Niche areas (including sea chests and hull appendages) were disproportionately fouled relative to the hull;

• Although most vessels surveyed carried out biofouling management activities, large variations in the predictability of fouling occurrence is indicative of significant variability in the quality of management applied;

• The risk factors associated with the presence of NIS differ among vessel types. NIS were more likely to be present on:

° Commercial vessels—the longer the time since last dry-dock, the older the vessel, and the greater the average number of days in port;

° Recreational vessels—the greater the average number of days spent in port, the longer the lay-up period, and the longer the dry-dock interval (Inglis et al., 2010).

Inglis et al. (2010) concluded that the identity, extent, and diversity of biofouling on individual vessels was difficult to predict with any certainty due to the complex dynamics of biofouling assemblages and vessel itineraries.

Further vessels were sampled subsequent to this study, including fishing vessels (n = 8) (Piola and Conwell, 2010), slow-moving vessels (n = 8), and an oil rig (Cawthron Institute, 2010).

Risk Analysis

A risk analysis was conducted to determine the “biosecurity risks associated with biofouling organisms on vessels arriving to New Zealand” (Bell et al., 2011). This analysis followed MPI’s risk analysis procedures (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2006) which are consistent with international standards (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO], 2007). This includes peer review by international experts.

As the number of species associated with vessel biofouling is substantial (Anderson et al., 2003; Minchin et al., 2006), 20 broad taxonomic groups were assessed in order to keep the analysis manageable. “For each group an initial hazard identification assessment determined whether a risk assessment was required. For groups identified as potential hazards, the following factors were assessed sequentially with a determination of non-negligible or negligible for each: the likelihood of entry, the likelihood of establishment, and potential consequences of establishment. The analysis of each group concluded with a risk estimation and the assessment of potential management options” (Figure 1; Bell et al., 2011).

FIGURE 1

Figure 1. Outline of the risk analysis process (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2006).

Of the 20 broad taxonomic groups assessed, species within 12 groups represented non-negligible risks to New Zealand’s core values (i.e., environmental, economic, and socio-cultural) and for which risk management measures could be justified (Table 1). The non-negligible risk groups contained organisms with the potential to impact upon economic values or ecosystem services. Although not all NIS may threaten New Zealand’s core values, the difficulty in predicting the identity and impacts of future NIS was highlighted (Bell et al., 2011).

TABLE 1

Table 1. Broad taxonomic groups included within MPI’s vessel biofouling risk analysis (Bell et al., 2011)*.

Based on the above outcomes, and recognizing the need for rapid border clearance of vessels, Bell et al. (2011) proposed that any macrofouling found on international vessels should be treated as risk organisms that require management. The association of the presence of macrofouling with the introduction of NIS (Inglis et al., 2010), and difficulties in the in situ identification of marine organisms were provided as rationale for this recommendation.

The risk analysis demonstrated that vessel biofouling was a risk to New Zealand’s marine environment, and, in doing this, highlighted a considerable biosecurity gap that necessitated management at a national and international level (Bell et al., 2011).

International Development of Biofouling Guidelines

The IMO is the major standard-setting body for marine biosecurity issues related to shipping. In 2007, New Zealand, along with the United Kingdom, Australia, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Friends of the Earth International succeeded in getting the development of management measures for biofouling on the agenda of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee. In 2008, MPI staff led an IMO “correspondence group” on biofouling—a group with representatives from 18 countries and nine non-governmental organizations, including industry peak bodies and conservation groups. This group worked between IMO sessions to summarize the current biofouling research, investigate potential impacts—positive and negative—of biofouling regulations on industry and on the environment, and to identify best practice measures for managing biofouling. Based on this work, in 2009 the IMO agreed to develop international guidelines for managing biofouling on ships. These voluntary guidelines were adopted by the IMO in 2011, with the intention “to provide a globally consistent approach to the management of biofouling using best practice” (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2011). Consistent with MPI’s 2007–2012 strategic priority to “Lead and seek international support for the management of ballast water and biofouling,” MPI’s staff and commissioned scientific research played a prominent role in the development of the IMO guidelines.

New Zealand Standard Development

Given the ongoing costs associated with response and control activities (discussed later), and the irreversible impacts that NIS can have on New Zealand’s core values, MPI identified the prevention of entry and establishment of marine NIS as a key priority (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010d). Accordingly, in 2010 MPI consulted upon a proactive approach to manage the risks from biofouling on internationally arriving vessels. The consultation period for written submissions was from 6th May to 16th June 2010, and four stakeholder meetings were held around New Zealand.

The consultation package included:

• Consultation Paper – Managing and Controlling the Risk Posed to the Marine Environment from Biofouling on Arriving Vessels (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010d);

• Draft Import Health Standard for Vessel Biofouling (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010c);

• Draft Guidance Document in support of the Import Health Standard for Vessel Biofouling (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010a);

• Requirements for Hull Cleaning Facilities to be MPI-Approved (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010b);

• Risk Analysis: Vessel Biofouling (Bell et al., 2011).

Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI] (2010d) considered three options for managing the risk associated with vessel biofouling:

• Await an international solution;

• Voluntary measures for arriving vessels;

• Mandatory requirements for arriving vessels.

Options were assessed using the following criteria:

• Feasibility – is the option feasible and what is the probability of success?

• Resources – what resources, skills, and capabilities are required?

• Opportunities and Barriers – are there other opportunities or barriers to success, such as timing or the factors that cause public concern (coercion, equity, fear, etc.)?

• Net benefit – what is the overall net benefit of the option including costs, benefits, and their likelihoods?

• Strategic fit – how well does the option fit with the Government’s strategies and MPI’s Statement of Intent?

The overall net benefits of the first two options were considered to be negative. This was because any long-term benefit of international regulations would be outweighed by the uncertainty of the regulations being adopted (both if and when), and the consequences borne by New Zealand in the meantime. Further, voluntary measures would not provide a level playing field across stakeholders (i.e., those who voluntarily comply versus those who do not), would have an unknown level of compliance, and result in uncertainty regarding whether the risk would actually be managed (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010d).

“Mandatory requirements for arriving vessels” was the preferred option as their enforceable nature was more likely to result in a more rapid behavioral change to protect New Zealand’s values. Further, this option would result in a level playing field across all stakeholders (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010d).

The principal component of the proposed biofouling regulations was vessels arriving to New Zealand would be “clean.” Clean was defined as “no visible aquatic organisms, except for a slime layer” (i.e., no macrofouling) (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010c). The expectation was that vessels operating according to best practice would meet this standard.

At the time of consultation, MPI staff had an active role in the work conducted by the IMO, hence MPI was able to ensure alignment with both the timing and intent of IMO’s biofouling guidelines (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2011). For example, MPI’s proposed regulations and measures for compliance were aligned with the pending IMO guidelines through both the information required for biofouling declarations (i.e., Biofouling Management Plans) and hull maintenance record keeping (i.e., Biofouling Record Books).

Review of Submissions

MPI received 29 written submissions during the consultation period (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2011). The majority of submitters agreed that:

• Vessel biofouling poses a significant pathway for the introduction of NIS;

• The options considered were appropriate to protect New Zealand’s values;

• A preventive strategy is appropriate;

• All vessels entering New Zealand cannot be inspected;

• Using a documentation-based system to identify risk vessels is acceptable and pragmatic (a few additional suggestions were provided);

• The proposed phased approach to implementation was appropriate. However, the meaning of such an approach varied among stakeholders (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2011).

Supportive submitters were, in principle, in agreement to all, or most, of MPI’s proposed approach. A healthy marine environment to support commercial, recreational and cultural values was the key motivation for these stakeholders (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2011).

Submissions opposing MPI’s preferred option were concerned with potential negative flow-on effects or hindrances to tourism and trade (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2011). These included concerns about:

• New Zealand acting unilaterally (an international solution was preferred);

• The practicality of a standard that is applicable to all vessels;

• Costs associated with compliance.

Following consultation, MPI agreed that further consideration and clarity was required regarding:

• Potential costs associated with the proposed approach;

• Definition of the clean hull standard;

• Phasing in of mandatory requirements;

• Border clearance procedures for arriving vessels (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2011).

Cost Benefit Analysis

A cost benefit analysis (CBA) was undertaken to provide clarity regarding the consequences associated with the introduction of mandatory requirements (Branson, 2012). A range of scenarios were examined, including the influence of voluntary or mandatory adoption of biofouling management in like-minded jurisdictions (i.e., Australia and California).

The CBA found that relative to voluntary management, the benefits of the proposed mandatory measures in avoiding the impacts of NIS on affected sectors would significantly outweigh the costs within the first 10 years of implementation (Branson, 2012; Figure 2).

FIGURE 2

Figure 2. Additional present value total costs and benefits of the proposed vessel biofouling Import Health Standard relative to voluntary standards in New Zealand, Australia, and California (Branson, 2012).

Over 50 years, the proposed mandatory measures were estimated to deliver additional net benefits of between $NZD 520 million (under the scenario of mandatory requirements in Australia and California) and $NZD 865 million (voluntary management in Australia and California). For each dollar of cost incurred, the proposed mandatory measures were estimated to deliver up to $NZD 25 in additional benefits by this time (Branson, 2012).

Science to Inform Decisions on Acceptable Levels of Biofouling

Application of “slime layer” as the definition for a “clean hull” in MPI’s proposed biofouling requirements (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2010c) would manage the identified biosecurity risks (Bell et al., 2011), the expectation being that vessels operating according to best practice would be able to meet the standard. The intent of the IMO guidelines, an example of best practice, was to maintain the submerged surfaces and internal cooling systems of the vessels “as free of biofouling, as is practical” (International Maritime Organization [IMO], 2011). As noted in the guidelines and more recently, other than continuous grooming, no antifouling technology is currently available to prevent slime layer fouling (Dobretsov, 2010; Tribou and Swain, 2017). Further, there are instances within “normal” vessel operation that may result in macrofouling accumulation, hence, technical advice was developed to provide further clarity regarding the definition of “clean” (Georgiades and Kluza, 2014).

The thresholds of allowable fouling (i.e., fouling that does not result in an unacceptable biosecurity risk) were designed considering organism biology, MPI commissioned research (Floerl et al., 2008; Inglis et al., 2010), international research (e.g., Hilliard et al., 2006; Mineur et al., 2007, 2008; Sylvester et al., 2011), and stakeholder submissions (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2011). To manage biosecurity risk, the thresholds were developed to limit species richness and to prevent successful reproduction and establishment of the allowed taxonomic groups, while considering the practicality and feasibility of implementation. Ultimately, these biofouling thresholds are governed by the vessel’s New Zealand itinerary (Georgiades and Kluza, 2014). This technical document was externally peer reviewed by an internationally recognized subject-matter expert, and has since been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (Georgiades and Kluza, 2017).

The Craft Risk Management Standard for Vessel Biofouling and Its Implementation

Following updates to the Biosecurity Act in 2012, and revisions made based on stakeholder feedback, the Craft Risk Management Standard for Biofouling on Vessels Arriving to New Zealand (CRMS-BIOFOUL) was approved on 15th May 2014 (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2014). Implementation began with a 4-year lead-in period during which compliance was voluntary. During this period, extensive resource was focused on communicating the requirements and allowing industry time to develop and implement appropriate biofouling management practices. During this period MPI retained the power to take action on vessels that were deemed to present a severe biosecurity risk.

The CRMS-BIOFOUL requires all vessel operators to take preventive measures to manage biofouling and maintain a “clean hull” prior to arrival to New Zealand. To demonstrate compliance with the requirements, vessels must be able to present documentary evidence that one of the following measures has been undertaken:

• Continual maintenance following best practice; or

• Cleaned within 30 days prior to arrival in New Zealand; or

• Booked with an MPI-approved provider for cleaning or treatment within 24 h of arrival.

Providing multiple options to meet the standard allows vessel operators to tailor an approach to suit their operational needs. If, however, an operator cannot comply with the measures outlined above, the standard also allows operators to submit a Craft Risk Management Plan (CRMP). This must outline the risk reduction steps to be taken to achieve equivalence with the CRMS-BIOFOUL and is subject to approval.

The CRMS-BIOFOUL also defines the “clean hull” thresholds as per Georgiades and Kluza (2014). The thresholds are applied by MPI operationally if vessels are suspected to exceed the allowable limit upon receipt of initial documentation, or if a vessel fails to provide evidence that one of the above measures has been undertaken.

During the lead-in period, MPI engaged heavily with a wide variety of stakeholders in order to raise awareness of the CRMS-BIOFOUL and promote best practices for biofouling management. In addition, MPI was proactive in delivering guidance on what constitutes appropriate documentary evidence of biofouling management (e.g., input into IMarEST/IPPIC biofouling management plan template; Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology/International Paint Printing Ink Council [IMAREST/IPPIC], 2016) and best practice measures (e.g., Georgiades et al., 2018).

On 15th May 2018, the requirements of the CRMS-BIOFOUL became mandatory for all vessels arriving to New Zealand. To comply, vessels must carry verifiable evidence that one of the measures outlined in the standard has been undertaken in order to meet the clean hull thresholds. Vessels that cannot demonstrate compliance are subject to increased intervention and verification. Vessels found to be fouled beyond the allowable thresholds may be subject to compliance action, such as itinerary restrictions, based on the risk posed by the fouling.

Ongoing Research

The success of any regulation, and associated best practice and risk management activities, is reliant on continuous improvement. MPI continues to invest in biofouling science and the generation of robust evidence to inform decision making. Significantly, this investment has taken a holistic approach with applicability encompassing international and national levels as well as the domestic management environment.

Vessel Profiling

The enforcement of the CRMS-BIOFOUL is dependent on MPI’s ability to identify potential risk vessels. As biofouling cannot be adequately assessed during MPI’s routine on-board inspections, is it imperative to have tools that allow the targeting of high-risk vessels for efficient resource allocation. MPI’s commissioned research on international vessel arrivals identified a number of biofouling risk indicators, such as date of last antifouling coating application, number of port calls, and number of extended lay-ups (Inglis et al., 2010). These indicators have been incorporated into MPI’s vessel pre-arrival documentation, with the responses input into a profiling tool to assign a risk rating. MPI is actively researching the utility of the indicators through ongoing vessel surveys, with one conducted in 2016/17 (Ministry for Primary Industries New Zealand [MPI], 2015), and another which will begin in 2020.

Proactive Management

A number of information gaps remain regarding the effectiveness of proactive measures to minimize vessel biofouling, particularly for niche areas. Therefore, MPI commissioned research to identify effective maintenance practices to inform both shipping and regulatory authorities of activities that could constitute best practice (Lewis, 2016). From this research, and a review of literature published since release of the IMO guidelines (e.g., Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, and New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries [MPI], 2013; Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology/International Paint Printing Ink Council [IMAREST/IPPIC], 2016; INTERTANKO, 2016), MPI developed technical advice regarding best practice biofouling management for short-stay vessels (Georgiades et al., 2018).

The following proactive management information gaps have been identified for research prioritization:

• Efficacy of fouling management within internal seawater systems (Grandison et al., 2011; Frey et al., 2014; Lewis, 2016);

• Benefits of internal seawater system management (Pamitran et al., 2016);

• Potential consequences for vessels with extended lay ups (Tribou and Swain, 2017).

Reactive Management

Risk management decisions need to balance biosecurity needs against other factors, including economics, environmental protection, practicality, and feasibility. To assist decision makers, an analysis was undertaken to understand the range of available options to manage the risk of non-compliant vessels (Inglis et al., 2012). This analysis was informed by previous MPI-commissioned research (e.g., Denny, 2007; Pannell and Coutts, 2007; Woods et al., 2007; Hopkins et al., 2008; Bohlander, 2009).

In broad terms of decreasing biosecurity risk, the range of options to manage non-compliant vessels includes:

• No action;

• Providing educational materials;

• Restricting vessel stay – single port, >24 h;

• Taxonomic identification of fouling;

• Restricting vessel stay – single port, <24 h;

• Direct vessel to a subsequent port to be cleaned or treated;

• Direct vessel to be cleaned or treated at the original recipient port;

• Haul out or dry docking;

• Refusal of entry into recipient port.

Each of the above options to manage biosecurity risk of non-compliant vessels that have entered New Zealand has associated factors that require consideration. For example, while vessels entering New Zealand are subject to various engagement strategies, and have access to information regarding biofouling management via MPI’s website, supplying further materials to non-compliant vessels as a management measure in isolation only manages future risk events. Taxonomic identification is not feasible in most cases due to factors including the costs and time involved, the many areas on a vessel that are inaccessible to divers (Cahill et al., 2019a; Growcott et al., 2019), and the potential pathogens or parasites associated with the fouling organisms are unlikely to be taken into account (Howard, 1994; Deveney et al., 2017). While vessel itineraries should be restricted to be as short as possible, such a direction has flow-on effects to port logistics and vessel chartering. Haul-out and cleaning can be achieved for most recreational and fishing vessel arrivals, however this option is not available for the majority of large vessel arrivals (i.e., those vessels above 1,800 dry weight tonnage; Inglis et al., 2012).

Taking the above options into account, along with their issues of practicality and feasibility, MPI has commissioned various vessel in-water cleaning and treatment (VICT) research projects (Morrisey and Woods, 2015; Growcott et al., 2017; Ammon et al., 2019; Cahill et al., 2019a), including those identifying the associated risks (e.g., Morrisey et al., 2013; Cahill et al., 2019b). Recently, MPI released technical advice on testing in-water cleaning and treatment systems for external hull and niche areas (Morrisey et al., 2015) and internal seawater systems (Growcott et al., 2019). Testing the practicality and feasibility of this technical advice is needed to support uptake of VICT as a biofouling management option (Scianni and Georgiades, 2019). Further commissioned research aims to help strengthen New Zealand’s regulatory approach to manage VICT.

Domestic Biofouling Management

Regulations to manage ballast water and biofouling pathways minimize, rather than eliminate, the likelihood of entry and establishment of NIS. Therefore robust processes are required to locate and identify new NIS to New Zealand (surveillance) and manage these incursions as appropriate (response and long-term management).

Surveillance

To determine the presence and distribution of NIS, MPI commissioned a nationwide program of baseline surveys of ports and marinas. Forty-three surveys were completed between 2001 and 2007, with 13 ports and 3 marinas subjected to repeat surveys. A total of 109 NIS were detected, 24 of which had not been previously identified in New Zealand (Seaward et al., 2015). In addition, the Marine High Risk Site Surveillance (MHRSS) program was implemented in 2002 to biannually survey 11 harbors where 7 high-risk NIS were most likely to enter and establish. The results of these programs helped to support the conclusions of the international vessel surveys (Inglis et al., 2010), i.e., the species identified on the surveyed vessels were not established in New Zealand, and the results were not an artifact of a lack of knowledge on the presence/absence of NIS.

The MHRSS program has five primary target species, which are listed on the New Zealand Unwanted Organisms Register. There are four additional secondary target organisms known to be established in New Zealand’s coastal waters (Table 2). However, the techniques used to meet the objectives of the MHRSS program are non-specific, which increases the likelihood of other NIS being detected. Techniques include benthic sled tows, crab traps, and diver and shore searches which are used over a range of habitat types, such as mud and gravel bottoms, intertidal rocky shores, and artificial structures (Woods et al., 2019). Research is underway to update the MHRSS program based on the likelihood of entry of NIS through the biofouling and ballast water pathways.

TABLE 2

Table 2. Objectives and target species for MPI’s MHRSS program.

Response

Despite the efforts of the MHRSS program, it is often difficult to detect the arrival of NIS early enough to enable eradication. Tools for eradicating or managing an established marine NIS are limited, difficult to perform, and expensive. For example, adjusted to 2012 prices, MPI’s incursion responses to the sea squirt Styela clava and the Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) cost $NZD 3 million and $NZD 1.5 million, respectively. Between 2005 and 2010, MPI invested $NZD 1.2 million per annum responding to S. clava, Didemnum vexillum, Eudistoma elongatum, S. spallanzanii, Perna perna, and Pyura doppelgangera (Branson, 2012). Only the response to P. perna resulted in eradication, however this was due to the specific nature of the event, i.e., dredging sediment following the uncontained in-water cleaning of a semi-submersible drilling rig (Hopkins et al., 2011). Much of that cost appears to have been borne by drilling rig owners (Vaughan, 2008). The eradication of the black-striped mussel (Mytilopsis sallei) from three marinas in the Northern Territory, Australia cost in excess of $AUD 2.2 million (Willan et al., 2000; Bax et al., 2002).

Recently, MPI has responded to numerous pathogen detections, e.g., ostreid herpesvirus microvariant 1 (Keeling et al., 2014) and Bonamia ostreae (Lane, 2016). The response costs for these two pathogens have been far higher than for responses to the macrofouling organisms listed above, with the associated disease outbreaks and management decisions to prevent further spread having significant impacts on New Zealand’s Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) and flat oyster (Ostrea chilensis) industries, respectively (Castinel et al., 2015; Sim-Smith et al., 2016; Ross et al., 2017). The translocation of these pathogens has been connected to vessel biofouling (Howard, 1994; Deveney et al., 2017) and MPI has commissioned a pilot study to further investigate this transmission pathway.

Long-Term Management

Ongoing management attempts to eradicate or contain marine NIS in New Zealand have had mixed success, with results being hindered by the dispersal of the NIS either naturally or by anthropogenic means (South et al., 2017). Efforts to control and eliminate S. spallanzanii from specific locations showed that consistent management can suppress populations to very low levels (Inglis et al., 2009). Further, the Fiordland elimination program for Undaria pinnatifida had, until recently, been successful (South et al., 2017; Gnanalingam and Hepburn, 2019). Approaches that identify and manage all risk pathways would help to ensure the success of such programs (South et al., 2017).

Ongoing management can be expensive (e.g., $NZD 2.2 million was invested in a failed attempt to eradicate U. pinnatifida from Big Glory Bay and Bluff; Gnanalingam and Hepburn, 2019). However, such costs need to be balanced by medium- to long-term benefits of action. For example, Hayward (1997) and Hayward et al. (1999) attributed major environmental changes in Waitemata Harbour, Auckland, to M. gigas and Arcuatula senhousia. NIS biofouling also has detrimental effects on growth and condition of cultured shellfish, as well as appearance, marketability, and production costs (Fitridge et al., 2014; Forrest et al., 2014; Davidson et al., 2017). According to Soliman and Inglis (2018), the projected impacts of S. clava and S. spallanzanii over 24 years would be approximately 4% of New Zealand’s total green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) industry revenue.

A Domestic Pathways Approach

The aforementioned research and lessons learned from implementation of the CRMS-BIOFOUL have been used to inform New Zealand’s domestic biofouling management. Amendments to the Biosecurity Act 1993 in 2012 allowed greater scope regarding the ability to manage the domestic spread of marine NIS, e.g., the creation of pathway management plans. MPI therefore commissioned research that engaged domestic stakeholders including industry, government, tangata whenua, and regional councils, and proposed a variety of measures (Inglis et al., 2013) and policies to manage identified marine domestic risk pathways (Sinner et al., 2013).

Ministry for Primary Industries has been actively working with domestic stakeholders to raise awareness of marine biosecurity issues, and to promote consistent practice in responding to, and preventing the spread of marine NIS. MPI was part of the steering group that developed the proposal for a regional pathway management plan for the Fiordland Marine Area. The Plan was created to address risks posed by vessel biofouling, gear and equipment, and residual seawater (e.g., ballast and bilge). The biofouling requirements are consistent with the requirements for long-stay vessels within the CRMS-BIOFOUL. In 2017, the Environment Southland Council formally adopted the Fiordland Marine Pathway Management Plan, which was the first of its kind in New Zealand and a major advance for domestic marine biosecurity (Cunningham et al., 2019). The rules apply to all vessels entering within 1 nautical mile of the Fiordland Marine Area. The Northland Regional Council have since developed a pathway management plan that covers their entire jurisdiction (Northland Regional Council, 2017).

Alignment of Biofouling Regulations

Ministry for Primary Industries, and other like-minded jurisdictions, consider the IMO guidelines a good example of best practice principles for biofouling management, and as such, MPI incorporated these guidelines by reference into the CRMS-BIOFOUL (Table 3). While regulations vary among jurisdictions due to their different legislative frameworks, it is notable that many are aligned and consistent with voluntary IMO guidelines, e.g., California’s regulations, United States federal regulations (undergoing review), and Australia’s proposed regulations (Table 3).

TABLE 3

Table 3. Comparison between international, national and regional biofouling requirements.

New Zealand’s biofouling regulations differ from those of other jurisdictions as they are set at a national level and manage the risks associated with all vessel types. Other regulations are either set at a regional level or only manage a specific vessel class (Table 3). Notably, the science underpinning, and thresholds within, the CRMS-BIOFOUL has informed New Zealand domestic regulations and practices (Table 3).

Effectiveness

As the CRMS-BIOFOUL requirements only became mandatory in 2018, to categorically state their effectiveness in minimizing the introduction of NIS is premature. Based on the current profiling and resourcing, early indications are cautiously optimistic, with <2% of commercial vessels being issued Notices of Direction for non-compliance up to April 2020.

Data regarding the cleanliness of vessels arriving into New Zealand provides early indications of a lessening of propagule pressure (Lockwood and Cassey, 2005). For example, New Zealand annually receives >650 international recreational vessel arrivals (Inglis et al., 2012). Research showed that a large proportion (>80%) of these vessels carry fouling assemblages on their hulls which, in most cases, included NIS (Floerl et al., 2008). Since implementation, only three recreational vessels have required border intervention, noting that these vessels often have to meet the cleanliness threshold for long-stay vessels (MPI internal data).

Domestically, there are anecdotal reports that vessels arriving from regions with biofouling regulations are often cleaner than those without (MPI unpublished data). However, it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of these early regulations, as biofouling is not the only pathway for the domestic spread of NIS (e.g., ballast water, aquaculture stock and equipment), and marine NIS surveillance is continually improving (Zaiko et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Globally, regulators face similar issues regarding the development and implementation of options and guidance to manage the risks associated with vessel biofouling. New Zealand was the first country to institute a standard for biofouling that applies to all international vessel arrivals. The effectiveness of this ground-breaking standard is reliant on international promotion of the regulations, management measures, and the key roles of the science, research, and risk assessment to underpin them. The formation of aligned regulation in other jurisdictions, and industries within them, is crucial to success as aligned regulation will ensure better uptake to protect global and local (New Zealand) marine values. Hence, as an early-adopter of mandatory biofouling regulations, MPI’s experience provides an evidence base and a blueprint for their establishment. Because these are aligned with the IMO guidelines, there is the potential to develop consistent global and domestic practices for managing marine NIS introduction and spread.

Author Contributions

All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for publication.

Funding

This review paper was supported by New Zealand Government (Biosecurity Science and Risk Assessment Directorate, Ministry for Primary Industries).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank past and present members of MPI, our national and international counterparts, and our service providers who have worked in progressing New Zealand’s marine biosecurity system. S. Leelawardana, C. Reed, and E. Perotti (MPI) reviewed draft versions of the manuscript. Funding and support from MPI’s Operational Research Team is gratefully acknowledged. The Marine Biosecurity Regulatory Agency Informal Network assisted with collation of Table 3. The reviewers’ feedback greatly improved this manuscript.

Footnotes

1. ^ Formerly Department of Agriculture; Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry/Biosecurity New Zealand; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
2. ^ https://www.mpi.govt.nz/
3. ^ http://www.legislation.govt.nz/

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