Biosecurity & Regulation

Emerging and existing international, national and state legislation, alongside some Port Authority requirements, requires that ‘all reasonable steps’ are taken to avoid the introduction and spread of invasive non-native species that are detrimental to the environment, the economy or health.

An understanding of legal requirements and international guidelines is the first line of defence for any vessel owner or operator.  Rules vary considerably from country to country, even within a single country, and regulations are changing rapidly in response to international pressure to protect biodiversity and aquaculture industries.

Assessing vessel, port or activity operations will identify potential biosecurity gaps where invasive species could enter and cause harm to the local environment and/or economy, leaving you open to legal action.

A biosecurity plan ensures that best practice has been considered and you have taken all mitigating actions possible to protect the local environment and marine economy from invasive species.

A biosecurity monitoring plan provides an early warning detection system and alert to new introductions before they become overwhelming.  Staff training enables personnel to recognise their local assemblage, so if a new species occurs, specialist taxonomists can be consulted to provide a risk analysis.

Regular biosecurity inspections and monitoring undertaken alongside routine maintenance will provide evidence against potential litigation, showing that all reasonable efforts were made to avoid an infestation event.

We offer: 

• policy advice
• biosecurity management plans
• biosecurity protocols
• biofouling surveys
• maintenance and decommissioning advice