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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>
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