Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) organizes training workshops to provide relevant stakeholder agencies with an introduction to marine biofouling: its impact, and risk management. The training course outline and content were prepared by GloFouling Partnership Project.

The awareness programme covered critical subjects aimed at addressing pressing environmental concerns. Firstly, discussions centered on the global challenge of biofouling and invasive species, encompassing topics like the introduction of biofouling, the various factors influencing its occurrence, and the environmental co-benefits associated with its mitigation. An assessment case from Garden Islands provided practical insights into the severity of the issue. Secondly, strategies to combat biofouling were explored in depth, highlighting preventive practices such as hull coatings and regular maintenance, reactive measures like cleaning and antifouling treatments, and remediation cases such as the one from Darwin. The programme also shed light on the significance of adhering to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines and complying with national legislation and requirements in addressing biofouling challenges.

The participation of esteemed agencies including CINEC Campus (Pvt) Ltd., Juliston Lanka International (Pvt) Ltd, UNK Global Maritime Institute, and others, underscored the collective commitment towards raising awareness and implementing effective measures. Their involvement reflects a collaborative effort among research institutions, maritime service providers, and governmental bodies to mitigate the detrimental impacts of biofouling and invasive species.