Some barnacles are a threat to native species, according to the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
The authority’s safety and compliance manager, Iliesa Batisaresare, said a number of barnacle species were parasitic.
“These invasive species can kill the marine ecosystem,” Mr Batisaresare said.
“These are brought in by foreign vessels.”
In an interview, Mr Batisaresare said the invasive species were spread across Fiji by local vessels.
“This when they visit maritime islands.”
Mr Batisaresare said thorough inspections were conducted on foreign vessels to ensure they were not carrying any invasive species.
Mr Batisaresare said Fiji initiated its first GloFouling taskforce meeting last week.
The key agencies, he said, met to discuss evidence the Government needed to successfully manage the issue.
