NOAA & Smithsonian Say U.S. Waters Safer From Invasive Species if Ships Flush and Fill Ballast Water at Sea
Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Smithsonian Institution

NOAA and the Smithsonian released a technical report today that finds ship captains can dramatically reduce the supply of invasive aquatic species delivered to U.S. ports, if they flush and refill ballast tanks with ocean water before arrival. The report describes the effectiveness of ballast water exchange procedures as a way to reduce aquatic invasive species discharged into U.S. waters, including the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay.

If ports are exposed to non-native species, these organisms may establish themselves in the new habitat, like zebra mussels and gobies in the Great Lakes, and potentially cause harm to native populations of aquatic animals and plants. An estimated 70 million metric tons—roughly 50 million gallons per day—of ballast water is discharged in U.S. water annually.

+ Full Report (PDF; 4.7 MB)