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Dr Ashley Coutts
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Dr Ashley Coutts Managing Director / Principal Scientist

Mobile +61 (0) 449 166 308

Ph.D. (Marine Biology) Victoria University of Wellington

M.Sc. (App. Sc. Fisheries Management) Australian Maritime College 1999;

B.Ed. (Environmental Science) University of Melbourne 1999;

Grad. Cert. App.Sc. (Fisheries Management) Australian Maritime College 1996;

Ashley has over 20 years experience with researching and managing biofouling and Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS). Ashley started his research at the Australian Maritime College in northern Tasmania where he research the nature and extent of biofouling on modern-day commercial vessels. From there, Ashley moved to Cawthron Institute in New Zealand, where he further his research on the nature, extent and survivorship of biofouling on different vessel types in different hull locations and developed and tested the efficacy of different incursion response tools for managing IAS. Ashley then returned to Australia to join the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) as a Marine Pest Advisor to help with the detection and management of marine pests at the border and help with the development of Australia's proposed biofouling management requirements. With his combined research and policy experience, Ashley started Biofouling Solutions Pty Ltd. with the focus of helping regulators and the maritime industry manage the unwanted accumulation and dispersal of IAS via vessels. For the past ten years, Ashley has been involved in all aspects of biofouling and IAS management ranging from undertaking desktop risk assessments, development of educational and training material, assisting with policy development, testing the efficacy of different biofouling/IAS treatment technologies through to undertaking vessels inspections for IAS either dry-dock or supervising commercial divers or remote operated vehicles. Consequently, Ashley has undertaken over 1,200 vessel inspections ranging from small ocean-going yachts to the largest vessels/infrastructure in the world. 

Areas of Specialist Expertise

  • Biosecurity likelihood/risk assessments

  • Taxonomy of temperate marine invertebrates

  • IAS policy development and analysis

  • Training and Education

  • Scientific evaluation of antifouling coatings or treatments

  • Vector management and treatment

  • Development and application of incursion response and management tools for IAS

  • Stakeholder and Government liaison relating to biofouling regulations and requirements

  • Vessel inspections for IAS

  • Underwater photography

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Technical Qualifications

  • Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) OPITO Course No. 5700. (Current)

  • Helicopter Safety and Escape (HUET) (Current)

  • Sea Survival Certificate (Current)

  • Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) (Current)

  • SSI CPR and Oxygen Provider Certificate (Current)

  • ADAS Part 1 AS 2815.1 Scientific Diving qualification (Current)

  • Nitrox Diver - Technical Diving International (Current)

  • Dive medical, Australian Standards 4005.1 (1992), 2299.1 (2007), 2299.2 (2001)

  • Current DAN Workplace Level II First Aid Certificate (Current)

  • Underwater Photography Course - CSIRO/CRIMP

  • Elements of Shipboard Safety Certificate

  • Invertebrate Taxonomy Training (Ascidians and soft sediment in-fauna)

  • Project Management Certificate

  • Working Safely at Heights (RIIOHS204A) (Current)

  • Enter and Work in Confined Spaces (RIIOHS202A) (Current)

  • Attended invasive polychaete identification workshop, Australian Museum, Sydney, 1-2 August 2013

  • Participated in the Western Australia Department of Fisheries Biofouling Inspection Seminar, Marine Research Laboratories, Hillarys, 12-14 May, 2016.

Selected Publications

 

Books and book chapters

Lewis, J. A., Coutts, A. D. M. 2009. Biofouling. In: Dürr, S and Thomason, J. C. (Eds), Biofouling. Blackwell Publishing. Chapter 24: 348-365.

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Butler, A. J., Canning-Clode, J., Coutts, A. D. M., Cowie, P. R., Dobretsov, S., Durr, S., Faimali, M., Lewis, J. A., Page, H. M., Pratten, J., Ready, D., Rittschof, D., Spratt, D. A., Terlizzi, A., Thomason, J. C. 2009. Techniques for the quantification of biofouling. In: Dürr, S and Thomason, J. C. (Eds), Biofouling. Blackwell Publishing. Chapter 22: 319-332.

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Cook, E. J., Ashton, G., Campbell, M., Coutts, A., Gollasch, S., Hewitt, C., Liu, H., Minchin, D., Ruiz, G., Shucksmith, R. 2007. Non-native aquaculture species releases : implications for aquatic ecosystems. In: Holmer, M., et al. (Eds). Aquaculture in the Ecosystem. Springer Netherlands : Chapter 5, 155-184.

 

Scientific Publications

Gust, N., Coutts, A., Lewis, P., Tigges, R., Prout, J., Carter, S. 2019. Biofouling risk management for the importation of a floating, production, storage and offtake (FPSO) facility and the central processing facility (CPF); the world’s largest semi-submersible platform. The APPEA Journal 59(2) 596-600. https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ18113.

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Bracken, J., Gust, N., Ross, J., Coutts, A. 2016. An assessment of the efficacy of chemical descalers for managing non-indigenous marine species within vessel internal seawater systems and niche areas. Management of Biological Invasions. Vol 7. Open Access.

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Ware, C., Berge, J., Sundet, J. H., Kirkpatrick, J. B., Coutts, A. D. M., Jelmert, A., Olsen, S. M., Floerl, O., Wisz, M. S., Alsos, I. G. 2014. Climate change, non-indigenous species and shipping: assessing the risk of species introduction to a high-Arctic archipelago. Diversity and Distributions 20: 10–19.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Valentine, J. P., Edgar, G. J., Davey, A., Burgess-Wilson, B. 2010. Removing vessels from the water for biofouling treatment has the potential to introduce mobile non-indigenous marine species. Marine Pollution Bulletin 60: 1533-1540.

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Hopkins, G. A., Forrest, B. A., Coutts, A. D. M. 2010. The effectiveness of rotating brush devices for management of vessel hull fouling. Biofouling 26: 555-566.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Piola, R. F., Taylor, M. D., Hewitt, C. L., Gardner, P. A.  2010. The effect of vessel speed on the survivorship of biofouling organisms at different hull locations. Biofouling 26: 539-553.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Piola, R. F., Hewitt, C. L., Connell, S. D., Gardner, P. A., 2009. Effect of vessel voyage speed on the survival of biofouling organisms: implications for translocation of non-indigenous marine species. Biofouling 26: 1-13.

Floerl, O., Coutts, A. D. M. (2009). Potential ramifications of the global economic crisis on human-mediated dispersal of marine non-indigenous species. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58: 1595-1598.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Dodgshun, T. D. 2007. The nature and extent of fouling in vessel sea-chests: a protected mechanism for marine bioinvasions. Marine Pollution Bulletin 54, 876-886.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Taylor, M. D., Hewitt, C. L. 2007. Novel method for assessing the en route survivorship of biofouling organisms on various vessels types at different hull locations. Marine Pollution Bulletin 54, 97-116.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Forrest, B. M. 2007. Development and application of tools for incursion response: lessons learned from the management of a potential marine pest. In: Whitlatch, R. B. and Bullard, S. G. (Eds), Proceedings of the First International Invasive Sea Squirt Conference, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States, April 21-22, 2005 Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 342, 154-162.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Taylor, M. D. 2004.  A preliminary investigation of biosecurity risks associated with biofouling on merchant vessels in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 38, 215-229.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Taylor, M. D. 2004. Marine Biosecurity in New Zealand. Proceedings of a workshop on current issues and potential management strategies: hull fouling as a mechanism for marine alien species introductions to Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu, Hawaii, February 12-13, 2003.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Taylor, M. D. 2004. Case study 1: Biofouling on merchant vessels in New Zealand. Proceedings of a workshop on current issues and potential management strategies: hull fouling as a mechanism for marine alien species introductions to Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu, Hawaii, February 12-13, 2003.

 

Coutts, A. D. M. 2003. Case study 2: Dumb barge teaches important lessons. Proceedings of a workshop on current issues and potential management strategies: hull fouling as a mechanism for marine alien species introductions to Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu, Hawaii, February 12-13, 2003.

 

Coutts, A. D. M., Moore, K. M., Hewitt, C. L. 2003. Ships’ sea-chests: an overlooked transfer mechanism for non-indigenous marine species? Marine Pollution Bulletin 46, 1504-1515.

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Conference/Workshop Presentations (examples)

Coutts, A. 2020. Marine Bioinvaions 101. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), Biosecurity Queensland’s Marine Pest Prevention and Preparedness Project Marine Pest Workshop. Port of Mackay, Queensland, 16-17 March, 2020.

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Coutts, A. 2019. Insights into using Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for undertaking Marine Biosecurity Surveillance. Introduction to ROV operation for marine pest surveillance workshop. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Hobart, Tasmania 5-6 November, 2019.

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Coutts, A., Lewis, P., McArdle, A., Ellard, K. 2018. An evaluation of small commercially available Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) for undertaking surveys for Invasive Marine Species. 19th International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling, Melbourne, Florida, 25-29 June, 2018.

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Ellard, K., Sims, A., Coutts, A., Gust, N., Lewis, P. Lane, J. 2017. The arrival of the Kaiyo Maru No. 8 results in the detection of three new IMS in the Derwent Estuary, Tasmania. 3rd ANZPAC Workshop on Biofouling Management for Sustainable Shipping, Melbourne Conference & Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, Melbourne, 12-15 September, 2017.

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Coutts, A., Gust, N., Reinfrank, R., Lewis, P., Lane, J. 2016. The importance of adopting pragmatic vessel biofouling management measures for mitigating the dispersal of Invasive Marine Species – an Australian perspective. 18th International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling, Toulon, France, 19-24 June, 2016.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2016. Summary of Biofouling Management Requirements around the World. IMarEST Biofouling Management Expert Group, London Workshop. Biofouling on Ships: Impacts, Risks and Regulations. IMarEST, 1 Birdcage Walk, London SW1A, 15 June, 2016.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2016. Managing the arrival of unwanted aquatic invasive species via vessel biofouling – The other shipping vector. 6th GEF-UNDP-IMO Globallast R&D Forum and Exhibition on Ballast Water Management, ICAO HQ, Montreal, Canada, 16-18 March, 2016.

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Coutts, A., Gust, N., Lane, J., Lewis, P., Perkins, K., Reinfrank, R., Valentine, J., Whittle, M. 2015. Lessons learned from inspecting vessels for two different standards. 2nd Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Workshop on Biofouling Management for Sustainable Shipping, Melbourne, 16-17 September, 2015.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2014. An introduction to the International Maritime Organization’s guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species. Regional Workshop on Biofouling, Bali, Indonesia, 21-22 May, 2014.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2013. Australia’s Biofouling Management Requirements: Lessons Learnt from Undertaking Vessel Inspections for Invasive Marine Species. Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Workshop on Biofouling Management for Sustainable Shipping Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, 5-9 May, 2013.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2013. Lessons Learnt from Undertaking Vessel Inspections for Invasive Marine Species. Paper presented at Western Australian Department of Fisheries, WA Marine Biosecurity Workshop “Learning in Partnership”, Hillary’s Marina, 16 August 2013.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2012. Australia’s Biofouling Management Requirements: Lessons learned from undertaking vessel inspections for invasive marine species. Paper presented at Prevention First 2012: An onshore and offshore Pollution Prevention Symposium and Technology Exhibition at the Westin Long Beach Hotel, Long Beach, California, United States, 23-14 October 2012.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2010. Emerging biofouling and invasive marine species regulations: implications and potential solutions for the oil and gas industry. Paper presented at the 18th International Oil and Gas Industry Exhibition and Conference, Suntec, Singapore, 29 November to 4 December, 2010.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2010. Beyond ballast water management: biofouling and invasive marine species. Paper presented at the 5th International Conference on Ballast Water Management, Singapore, 1-4 November, 2010.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2010. Emerging biofouling and invasive marine species legislation in Australia and New Zealand: implications for industry. Paper presented at the World Ocean Council’s Sustainable Ocean Summit, Belfast, Northern Ireland, 15-17 June, 2010.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Shields, D. 2009. IMProtectorTM – a novel in-water treatment system for vessel biofouling. Paper presented at the 16th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, 19-23 April, 2009.

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Coutts, A. D. M, Gowland, S. 2008. Australia’s proposed biofouling management requirements. Presentation at Marine Safe and Drill Safe Forums, Perth, Western Australia 5-6 March, 2008.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Dodgshun, T. J. 2006. Ships’ sea-chests: an overlooked mechanism for marine species. Paper presented at the 13th International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Biofouling, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 23-28 July, 2006.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Taylor, M. D., Hewitt, C. L., Gardner, J. P. A. 2006. En route survivorship of biofouling organisms on various vessel types. Paper presented at the 13th International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Biofouling, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 23- 28 July, 2006.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Dodgshun, T. J. 2006. Ships’ sea-chests: an overlooked mechanism for marine species. Paper presented at the 14th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species, Key Biscayne, Miami, Florida, 14-19 May, 2006.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Taylor, M. D., Hewitt, C. L., Gardner, J. P. A. 2006. En route survivorship of biofouling organisms on various vessel types. Paper presented at the 14th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species, Key Biscayne, Miami, Florida, 14-19 May, 2006.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2005. Paper presented at the workshop on managing hull transport of aquatic invasive species. California State Lands Commission, San Francisco, California, United States, 11 May, 2005.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2005. The detection, spread and management of Didemnum vexillum in Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand. Paper presented at the 1st International Invasive Sea Squirt Conference, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States, 21-22 April, 2005.

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Coutts, A. D. M., and Taylor, M. D. 2003. Marine Biosecurity in New Zealand. Paper presented at a workshop on current issues and potential management strategies: hull fouling as a mechanism for marine alien species introductions to Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, 12-13 February, 2003.

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Coutts, A. D. M., and Taylor, M. D. 2003. Case study 1: Biofouling on merchant vessels in New Zealand. Paper presented at a workshop on current issues and potential management strategies: hull fouling as a mechanism for marine alien species introductions to Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, 12-13 February, 2003.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2003. Case study 2: Dumb barge teaches important lessons. Paper presented at a workshop on current issues and potential management strategies: hull fouling as a mechanism for marine alien species introductions to Hawaii. Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, 12-13 February, 2003.

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Coutts, A. D. M. and Taylor, M. D. 2002.  Managing biosecurity risks from hull fouling: a perspective from down under. Paper presented at the 11th International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Biofouling, San Diego, California, United States, 21-26 July, 2002.

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Coutts, A. D. M. 2002. Mysterious fouler stresses need for active biosecurity. New Zealand Seafood Industry Conference, Duxton Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand, 13-17 May, 2002.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Taylor, M. D. 2001. An investigation of high risk areas on the hull of merchant vessels for the translocation of exotic fouling organisms. Paper presented at 2nd International conference on marine bioinvasions.  Hotel Inter-Continental, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, 9-11 April, 2001.

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Coutts, A. D. M., Haddon, M., Hewitt, C. L. 1999. Factors influencing a vessel's degree of fouling. Paper presented at the 10th International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Biofouling, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 8-12 February, 1999.

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