Ballast water management in Canada: A historical perspective and implications for the future. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scriven, Danielle R.; DiBacco, Claudio; Locke, Andrea; Therriault, Thomas W.
• Is Part Of: Marine policy. Volume 59(2015)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Ballast water management (BWM) -- Non-indigenous species (NIS) -- Ballast water exchange (BWE) -- Mid-ocean exchange (MOE) -- Canadian policy -- Marine ecosystems; Marine resources -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; Fisheries -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Aspect économique -- Périodiques; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Marine resources -- Economic aspects; Periodicals; 333.916405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2015.05.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-597X

Abstract

Abstract: Non-indigenous species (NIS) can create significant risks when introduced to foreign ecosystems. One of the many vectors facilitating the global transport of NIS is ballast water, and as commercial shipping increases so does the threat of ballast water-mediated introductions. Despite Canadian regulations, consistent with international guidelines put forth by the International Maritime Organization in the early 1990s, ballast water remains a potential vector for the introduction of many NIS to Canadian marine ecosystems: there have been no new introductions in the Laurentian Great Lakes Region since 2006, yet marine ecosystems continue to see the introduction and establishment of NIS. This paper details and analyzes the development of Canadian ballast water management (BWM), in the context of marine ecosystems, and identifies issues therein. BWM in Canada has a number of management gaps that have persisted since large-scale BWM began in the late 1980s. These include BWM exemptions for vessels not exiting the North American continental shelf, and limitations of effectiveness of mid-ocean exchange as the predominant management method in marine ecosystems. In addition, ballast water regulations for the Canadian Arctic may require additional consideration as the Arctic will likely continue to see an increase in both warming and commercial shipping in the future, thereby increasing the potential risk of NIS. In order to adequately protect all Canadian marine ecosystems, it is recommended that the current BWM regime: fill gaps in management to help prevent further introduction and spread of NIS; focus equally on both marine and freshwater regions, and; look to other aggressive BWM strategies such as those being developed by the state of California. Highlights: The history of Canadian ballast water management is examined. Effectiveness of Canadian ballast water management in marine ecosystems is explored. Mid-ocean exchange does not protect marine ecosystems from non-indigenous species. Vessels exempt from ballast water management pose risks to Canadian coasts. Ballast water policies should be reassessed to ensure effectiveness in all ecosystems.