 Biofouling of submerged ship surfaces can have a significant impact on vessel operations, as well as the environment. In order to reduce this risk, proactive in-water cleaning, IWC, of biofilms from submerged ship surfaces has been proposed as a possible solution. However, this approach must be carefully considered due to the potential for increased biosecurity risks associated with the release of diverse microbes from ship surfaces. This article was authored by Eugene Georgiatis, Chris Cianni, and Mario Entombore.