Ship&Offshore | Issue 06/2017
Research reveals extent of invasive species threat
Biofouling | Recent research undertaken by Tel Aviv University’s School of Zoology found that half the ships passing along the Mediterranean coast of Israel are carrying invasive ascidians. Although the transfer of harmful marine organisms has been the focus of the IMO’s Ballast Water Convention recently, invasive species also attach to underwater areas of ship’s hulls including thruster tunnels and sea chests where they are difficult to remove. The University’s Dr Noa Shenkar, who led the research team, said: “These organisms are passing through the Suez Canal, latching on to ropes and the bottom of the ship. They’re filter feeders, so they cover and clog every surface they latch on to, creating a lot of drag for the ship and damaging marine diversity in their new environments.”