The coasts and oceans of the Asian region faces continuing decline in the health of the marine ecosystems. The continued pressures from the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources, along with rapid population growth have grave consequences on the food and livelihood security of many coastal communities in Asia. Any gains in protecting parts of the regional seas are being undermined and exacerbated by the adverse impacts of climate change. For a couple of decades now, multilateral and bilateral collaboration has contributed to supporting the goals of sustainable development.

Aquatic Invasive Species and Ships’ biofouling

Shipping as a pathway for the transfer of invasive aquatic species (IAS) relates mainly to two vectors: ballast water and biofouling. Biofouling is the accumulation of aquatic organisms such as micro-organisms, plants and animals on surfaces and structures immersed in or exposed to the aquatic environment.

***The final proceedings can be viewed at: http://www.pemsea.org/publications/meeting-documents/ocean-and-climate-dialogue-east-asian-seas%E2%80%99-response-global-climate***