Panama received specialists in marine biofouling management from Latin America and the Caribbean, who discussed strategies to mitigate the spread of invasive aquatic species caused by maritime transport in the "Fouling Focus" forum.
Biofouling is the process by which ships introduce aquatic species into foreign marine environments, representing one of the greatest threats to these ecosystems.
In matters of biofouling, the Republic of Panama adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships (2001) and the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship´s Ballast Water and Sediment (2004). Currently, more than 6,000 vessels in the Panamanian fleet have been certified in compliance with both agreements.
Collaboration between industry actors is important to develop environmentally friendly maritime activity, since biological pollution poses a great risk to marine biodiversity, the health of human beings and marine assets and resources. It is necessary to raise the level of awareness in the sector about this problem and share experiences regarding the implementation of alternative inspection techniques or the use of effective antifouling coatings, among other actions against biofouling.
According to Captain Cristian Martis Aravena, Regional Coordinator of the Southwest Pacific Action Plan, "this workshop brings into practice the guidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) related to the control and management of biofouling, to raise awareness among member countries about the relevance of training professionals who are capable of addressing and leading the necessary changes".
The deputy director of the General Directorate of Merchant Marine (DGMM), of the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), Eng. Rina Berrocal was the keynote speaker during the "Biological contamination management workshop for women in the maritime sector of Latin America and the Caribbean", in order to provide opportunities for professional improvement and networking, to empower women in the maritime industry and promote a diverse and qualified workforce. "Sharing with this community of Latin American and Caribbean women who work for a responsible industry prides us," said Berrocal.
During the event, attendees from different maritime authorities and the private sector received valuable information that will be replicated in their respective countries, reinforcing social sensitivity on the problem of marine biofouling.
The "Fouling Focus" was developed at the International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) with the collaboration of MTCC Caribbean and MTCC Latin America, framed within the IMO-NORAD TEST Biofouling and GEF-UNDP-IMO GloFouling Partnerships projects, which are allies of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the IMO.
