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Conference materials

Presentations in PDF format can be downloaded here (zip file).

You can find the photo gallery from the events here.

Photos by Otto Strazds for the COMPLETE project.

Programme

Conference programme.

Conference sessions where organised around key management issues related to biofouling and ballast water management, including:

  • Which biofouling management practices should be used in the Baltic Sea?
  • In-water cleaning as a promising management option to prevent biofouling: which preconditions must be fulfilled?
  • Which stakeholders would benefit from an early warning system for harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens?
  • How to apply and grant exemptions for ballast water treatment?

Background

The aim of the conference was to discuss potential solutions and sustainable management options to reducing the risk of invasive species introductions caused by shipping and boating in the Baltic Sea Region. The latest findings on the magnitude of the biofouling issue, and the current practices for biofouling management were presented, and cost-effective solutions to harmonizing management actions across the region were sought. Biofouling management was discussed from the viewpoints of both the commercial shipping sector as well as the leisure boating sector. Moreover, the need for an early warning system for harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in the region, and the scientific support for harmonized implementation of the Ballast Water Management Convention were clarified.

Expected participation

The stakeholder conference was aimed at policy makers on international, regional, and national level, (e.g. maritime and environmental administrations) as well as at local administrations, ports/port authorities, chemical safety authorities, shipyards/docks, shipping companies, boating associations, marinas, environmental NGOs, and companies providing hull cleaning services or antifouling systems.