140 likes | 233 Views
Ocean transport of alien species. Outline. Background International regime Regional/EU regime and national regime Conclusions. Background. The importance of shipping The introduction of alien species Ballast water Biological fouling. Ballast water.
E N D
Outline Background International regime Regional/EU regime and national regime Conclusions
Background • The importance of shipping • The introduction of alien species • Ballast water • Biological fouling
Ballast water Tanks with water that provide stability and maneuverability to a ship Taken from coastal port areas and transported, then discharged in new waters May introduce organisms that do not naturally belong there Invasive alien species
The consequences Reduction of biomass and production of edible primary producers Loss of affected species Consequences on the ecosystem, biodiversity, and economy(with related social impacts)
International Regimes • International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004 • Legally binding international treaty • Aim: • To prevent harmful marine organisms spreading from region to region • Sets standards and procedures
Ballast Water Management • All ships sailing in international water must manage their water ballast and sediments • Ship specific ballast water management plan • International ballast water management certificate • Ballast water record book
Standards • Phased in over a period of time – Annex Section B • Annex Section D • Sets the standards for ballast water management • Regulation D-1 • Regulation D-2 • Annex Section A • General provisions section • Regulation A-3 exceptions • Regulation A-4 exemptions
Europe and the Ballast Water Management Convention (BWM) States in Europe that have ratified the BWM Convention: Albania (Non- Member State), Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Montenegro (Non- Member State), the Netherlands, Norway (Non- Member State), Spain, Sweden and Switzerland (Non- Member State)
Plans to implement provisions on ballast water into the IAS Proposal of the Commission regarding the new EU regulation on invasive alien species (IAS) Decision of the European Parliament Opinion of the European Environmental Bureau (NGO) Lack of credibility
Measures on a more regional level North East Atlantic ocean and Baltic Sea Mediterranean Sea region Black Sea region Adriatic Sea
Where are we at today? • No international (BWM) convention in force yet • No specific EU-arrangement • Some regional cooperation • Some national legislation
The importance of international/regional approaches • Regional/international solutions needed • I) Ecological problems caused by non-cooperation • II) Shipping and trading problems
The bigger picture - Is enough being done? • Other vectors of invasive marine species • No single vector accounts for all pest species • Commercial shipping <- • Aquaculture and fisheries • Drilling platforms • Canals • Aquarium industry • Etc. • A lot remains to be done!