17/05/2025, 𝓼𝓮𝓪𝓯𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓻'𝓼 𝓾𝓹𝓭𝓪𝓽𝓮 The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is stepping up efforts to combat the threat of invasive species introduced into new marine environments by ships. The accumulation of various aquatic organisms on ships’ hulls - known as “biofouling” - poses a serious threat to ocean health and biodiversity. Marine species carried in ballast water or on hulls can become invasive, outcompete native species and spread rapidly. At a side event during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice (9-13 June) co-hosted by Norway, Fiji and the IMO, delegates outlined the ongoing efforts to curb this threat, including moves towards global mandatory regulations. “I’m encouraged by the commitment of Member States to find concrete solutions for safe and environmentally friendly shipping,” said Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Mr. Bjelland Eriksen while opening the event. Norway has supported technical assistance projects such as GloFouling and TEST Biofouling.