On February 9-10, 2021, as a part of the COMPLETE project (Completing management options in the Baltic Sea Region to reduce risk of invasive species introduction by shipping; https://balticcomplete.com), a conference will be held, to present potential solutions and sustainable management options for reducing the risk of invasive species introductions by shipping and boating in the Baltic Sea Region. The conference will consist of three main thematic sessions devoted to:

(1) harmonized implementation of the Balast Water Management Convention (BWMC) ,
(2) a proposal for a regional biofouling management strategy, based on e.g. the guidelines of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on fouling of the hulls of recreational ships and boats and
(3) harmonized monitoring  of alien species for the purposes of various regulatory acts.

The conference is 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, companies providing hull cleaning services or antifouling systems and the scientific community.

The conference will be held remotely, and more details can be found at the website:
https://mailchi.mp/3065ba8491d7/invitation-12534706?e=88f5953975

We are pleased to invite you to the Conference!

On behalf of group implementing project at the University of Gdańsk from the Division of Experimental Ecology of Marine Organisms: 
Monika Normant-Saremba, PhD, prof. associate - group leader
Dagmara Wójcik-Fudalewska, PhD
Joanna Hegele-Drywa, PhD
Radosław Brzana, MSc
Julia Tuszer-Kunc, MSc