Ballast water

Scientists fear that the expansion of seaports and minor ports could pave the way for the arrival of invasive species in coastal areas. It is because the ballast water carried by ships is providing a vehicle to bring in exotic species.

Background:

A recent survey by the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, had recorded the presence of as many as 10 invasive species in the biodiversity-rich intertidal habitats of the Kerala coast.

They include one seaweed, one species of bryozoan, one species of mollusc and seven species of ascidian. It was assumed that the distribution of invasive species reported from the Kerala coast was likely to have been assisted by shipping. The survey argues that the expansion of ports in Kerala has opened ways for the introduction of alien species in marine and coastal areas.

The survey also recorded the presence of a sea slug called Winged Thecacera ( Thecacera Pennigera ) in the southwest coast of India. Originally reported from the Atlantic coast of Europe, the presence of sea slug is currently reported from South Africa, West Africa, Pakistan, Japan, Brazil, eastern Australia and New Zealand.

What is Ballast?

Ballast is a compartment in a ship that provides it stability. It holds water which moves in and out of it to balance the ship. It remains below the water level, to counteract the weight above the water level.

Concerns:

• Ballast water is one of the biggest transporters of non-native marine species. Studies done by experts have indicated that over 10,000 marine species are being transported across the world in ballast water carried by ocean-going vessels for stability and safety.
• Ballast water is discharged when the ship enters a new port, releasing alien organisms into the local waters.
• The colossal loads of ballast water carried by ships could transport fish, viruses, bacteria, algae, zooplankton and benthonic invertebrates to harbours at a faster pace.
• Very few of the invasive species establish a beachhead in their newfound homes, but those that do have the potential to wreak havoc on the ecosystem by preying on local species or competing with them for food and habitat space.
• Ballast water is also considered a vehicle for toxic algae causing red tides and harmful algal blooms.

Ballast Water Management Convention:

The Ballast Water Management Convention, adopted in 2004, aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another, by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships’ ballast water and sediments.

• Under the Convention, all ships in international traffic are required to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan.
• All ships will also have to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate.
• The Convention will require all ships to implement a Ballast Water and Sediments Management Plan. All ships will have to carry a Ballast Water Record Book and will be required to carry out ballast water management procedures to a given standard. Existing ships will be required to do the same, but after a phase-in period.
• Parties to the Convention are given the option to take additional measures which are subject to criteria set out in the Convention and to IMO guidelines.

India’s Union Cabinet has already approved accession to the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (Ballast Water Management Convention) of International Maritime Organization (IMO).