A treaty to introduce global regulations to control the transfer of potentially dangerous invasive maritime species will enter into force on Sept. 8, 2017, according to a release from the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Typical with international maritime shipping, vessels may take on ballast water in order to ensure a more stable voyage. However, ballast water can contain thousands of aquatic and marine microbes, which are then carried and released into non-native areas. In some instances, invasive species introduced due to untreated ballast water have caused devastating consequences for local ecosystems.
Originally adopted by the IMO in 2004, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) requires the management of ballast water and sediments to certain specific standards for all ships in international routes. In addition, all ships are required to carry an international ballast water management certificate as well as a ballast water record book in order to ensure requirements are being met.
While the management standards will be gradually phased in over time, the IMO offered an intermediate solution by asking ships to exchange ballast water mid-ocean. All ships will need to eventually install onboard water treatment systems.
One of the invasive species cited by IMO is Asian kelp, also known as wakame, that are native to the cold water coastal areas of Japan, Korea, and China. In recent years, the species has been documented in the waters of New Zealand, France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain. Currently, aggressive control measures are underway to remove the plant from its non-native harbors.
In Australia, a carnivorous crustacean known as the European green crab has been preying upon local clams, mussels, oysters, and gastropods. Since the crab’s introduction in the area due to untreated ballast water, it has cost the fishing industry millions of dollars due to it depleting many commercially-important shellfish.
More seriously, untreated ballast water has been known to transport cholera bacteria that latch onto planktonic animals and zooplankton, which then contaminate areas with otherwise drinkable water.