Introduction of Marine Exotics

Date: Thu, 6 May 1999 18:27:54 -0300 (ADT)
From: Mark Butler <ar427@chebucto.ns.ca>
To: sust-mar@chebucto.ns.ca
Precedence: bulk
Return-Path: <sust-mar-mml-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>

next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects










6 May, 1999                                        For Immediate Release           

BALLAST WATER CARRIES DANGEROUS CARGO

The dumping of ballast water by ocean-going vessels represents a threat to
Nova Scotia's coastal ecosystems. The Ecology Action Centre shares the
concern of a growing number of scientists about the introduction of
non-native species through the discharge of ballast water.

For Gretchen Fitzgerald of the EAC, there is a disturbing difference
between the way we respond to the introduction of terrestrial species as
opposed to the introduction of marine species: "When you arrive in Canada
on a plane from another country, you are asked 20 questions about what you
are carrying with you, yet everyday large quantities of ballast water from
other areas of the globe are being dumped in our waters with no questions
asked."

Ballast water is carried in the hulls of ships in order to increase their
stability when they are not carrying full loads. Unfortunately, ballast
water is also a vehicle for non-native species. Bio-invader species
carried in ballast threaten commercial fisheries, aquaculture, and human
health. 

According to Dr. Steve Kerr, Cox Fisheries Scientist at Dalhousie
University, "the increased traffic of larger and faster ocean-going
vessels makes the introduction of ballast water a significant threat to
our coastal ecosystems." The enhanced shipping activity that will occur if
the Halifax super-port proposal is accepted, increases the chances that
non-native species will be introduced to Atlantic Canada. 

Some well-known examples of bio-invaders that have created lasting impacts
on aquatic ecosystems include the introduction of zebra mussels to the
Great Lakes and LeidyUs comb jelly in the Black Sea. In Australia, the
introduction of toxic algae from Japan via ballast water has had a lasting
impact on the local aquaculture industry.

Although the introduction of living organisms may seem relatively benign
in comparison with other forms of pollution, such as oil spills, the
effects of biological pollution can be even more devastating to
ecosystems. Once living organisms are introduced to an ecosystem, it is
almost impossible to eradicate them without creating greater ecological
damage.

In January, 1999, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt, has
stated that the dumping of ballast water is Rnothing less than point
pollution and must be treated as such.S He also described his country's
response to the problem as "pitiful."

At a recent meeting of the Marine Issues Committee of the Ecology Action
Centre, Dr. Steve Kerr presented some of his concerns about the discharge
of ballast water. Dr. Kerr believes that the best short-term solution is
shore-based treatment of ballast. The long-term solution to this problem
will involve the implementation of new ship designs or the retro-fitting
of the current fleet.


- 30 -

 
For further information, contact: Gretchen Fitzgerald or Mark Butler
429-2202
				    Dr. Steve Kerr, srkerr@is.dal.ca



-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
You received this because you are subscribed to "sust-mar", the
Sustainable Maritimes mailing list. To unsubscribe, send email to
<majordomo@chebucto.ns.ca> with "unsubscribe sust-mar" (without quotes) as
the body of your message. To post a message to sust-mar subscribers, send it to
<sust-mar@chebucto.ns.ca> Posts that are off-topic or excessive length
(10K) will be rejected. For help contact <sust-mar-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>



next message in archive
no next message in thread
previous message in archive
Index of Subjects