Two New Zealand bodies, Biosecurity New Zealand and the country’s Cruise Association, met on 09JAN to discuss concerns of biofouling as four cruise ships over the past month have been denied entry or given restricted access to the country’s waters due to foreign organisms present on their hulls.
According to the Cruise Association chief executive, there are more inspections on ships now as vessels had docked for extended periods of time over the pandemic, providing more opportunities for organisms to grow on their hulls. Additionally, a shortage of international cleaning facilities meant that some ships missed out on regular cleaning, reports RNZ. The executive added that restrictions and last minute cleaning can be prevented if cruise lines begin inspections before their operating season starts.
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