ECOsubsea spearheads scientific breakthrough on marine invasive species
BERGEN, NORWAY – ECOsubsea, a leader in sustainable marine technology, along with partners Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) and the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) have delivered a landmark study on detecting invasive marine species from vessel hulls using environmental DNA (eDNA) that could impact port operations and marine administration policy. The report demonstrates that waste and wash water removed from ships’ hulls, by techniques including ECOsubsea’s remotely operated hull-cleaning robots, can be analysed in a laboratory to detect marine alien species on ships’ hulls. This will allow ports, policy makers and vessel operators to take proactive steps to address the issue of invasive species before these impact local environments.
With biofouling on ship hulls now recognised as the primary vector for the spread of marine invasive species globally, the findings of the study and techniques to analyse risk could become a pivotal tool in biosecurity and environmental protection.
"We were proud to be the originators for this concept, and are grateful to the scientists that performed the study and to the Norwegian authorities that funded this important work. This research proves that we no longer have to passively wait for invasive species to destroy local biodiversity before we take action," said Tor Østervold, CEO of ECOsubsea. "Our robotic hull-cleaning system was designed to optimise shipping efficiency, but this report highlights its incredible dual value as a frontline defense for our oceans. By capturing biofouling removed from vessel hulls during routine cleanings, we are giving scientists the exact material they need to stop ecological 'stowaways' in their tracks."
Research findings
For the study, researchers analysed five oil service vessels, four coastal express ships, one cargo ship, and one cruise ship calling at Tananger and Bergen. By using a genetic analysis method called meta-barcoding on the materials collected by ECOsubsea’s robots, scientists detected 19 alien species. Crucially, eight of these were identified as ‘doorknocker species’, which are highly invasive organisms (including the carpet sea squirt) that are not yet established in Norway, but carrying a high risk of doing so.
The highest concentration was found on a single international cruise ship, which carried 11 alien species, eight of which were exclusive to that vessel. eDNA sampling confirmed none of these doorknocker species had yet spread to the local harbour waters and had an impact on local ecosystems. Interestingly, the research also revealed that early stage, thinner biofouling actually contained more alien species than thicker, older growth, underscoring the necessity of early and routine hull maintenance.
Long-term impact
"Global regulatory bodies (like New Zealand, Australia, California and Brazil) are already regulating biofouling, and Norway and the IMO are underway in developing requirements," explained Abigail Robinson, Chief Sustainability Officer at ECOsubsea. "Integrating closed-loop robotic hull-washing with DNA sampling into routine port operations is a game-changer as it gives us concrete information and allows tracking, which from a policy-perspective is extremely useful. E-DNA analysis offers a cost-effective, scalable, and proactive biosecurity solution that enables authorities to assess risks and develop targeted management strategies. Shipping is vital to the global economy, but it doesn’t need to come at the cost of our marine ecosystems."
By integrating hull cleaning capture technology into routine maritime monitoring, national administrations, global ports and environmental stakeholders can significantly strengthen their ability to stay ahead of the curve, protecting biodiversity, natural ecosystems, and coastal economies from the ever-increasing threat of invasive marine life.
ENDS
—-----------
Technical information
You can find a human and AI friendly Q&A about this project here: https://www.ecosubsea.com/news/from-biofouling-to-biosecurity
You can read the report on the NINA website here: https://nva.sikt.no/registration/019eac674892-1356d96e-8c75-43b6-b4e4-f8089029e63c
Media information:
Photo: Tor Østervold, CEO of ECOsubsea and Abigail Robinson, Chief Sustainability Officer at ECOsubsea.
Photo credit: ECOSubsea
For media interviews with ECOsubsea and for further information please contact:
Phil Page
Intent Communications, Head of PR
phil@intentcommunications.co.uk
+44 7492 534 542