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Ballast water is a major source for introducing non-native
species into aquatic ecosystems where they would not
otherwise be present. If the non-native species become
established, they can adversely impact the economy or the
environment, or cause harm to human health. For example,
the management of zebra mussels near the Great Lakes has
cost the U.S. economy millions of dollars annually. Costs
include cleaning, monitoring, and retrofitting water intake
pipes. Additionally, zebra mussels accumulate high levels of
toxins which leads to health advisories for species in the food
web.
—'Courtesy of USF
With growing
international trade,
there are increases in
the amount and
frequency of ballast
water transfers, and
associated organisms,
between distant ports.
Ballast water discharges
from vessels on
international and
domestic voyages can
contribute to the spread
of invasive species in
the U.S.
WHAT IS BALLAST WATER?
• Ballast water is water from a port or
other location that is taken onboard
a ship and stored in tanks to add
weight, thereby maintaining the
ship's trim and stability.
• For example, ballast water is often
taken onboard as cargo is
unloaded, and discharged as cargo
is loaded.
• Depending on where the ballast
water is taken onboard, it may be
freshwater, brackish, or saltwater,
and might contain organisms that
are not native to the port area
where ballast water will be
discharged.
Chinese Mitten Crab
Courtesy of California Interagency Ecological Program
Zebra Mussels
WHY IS BALLAST WATER
TAKEN ONBOARD OR
DISCHARGED FROM SHIPS?
• Prior to departure or while en
route, a ship may need to take
ballast water onboard to maintain
its stability and safety or to
maximize its propulsion
efficiency.
• On entry into a port, the ship
may need to discharge ballast
water to lighten the ship in order
to maintain clearance under the
keel in navigational channels or
berthing areas, or to offset
additional weight resulting from
the loading of cargo or fuel.
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WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF SPECIES
INTRODUCED THROUGH BALLAST
WATER?
• Aquatic invasive species constitute a
significant threat to biodiversity in the world's
coastal waters because they often have no
natural predators and may out-compete
native species for food in their new
environment.
• Once established, invasive species can
cause major environmental and economic
harm as they multiply and spread. They can
be very difficult, if not impossible, to control
or eradicate following introduction into the
receiving waters.
• Not all introduced organisms will become
invasive species and harm native
ecosystems; for example, some species
taken onboard from a freshwater
environment may not be able to survive if
discharged into saltwater.
• Due to the variability in organisms and
complex environmental interactions affecting
their establishment, it is not yet possible to
accurately predict whether an introduced
species will become an invasive species in a
new location.
WHAT IS BEING DONE TO REDUCE THE
IMPACT OF AQUATIC INVASIVE
SPECIES IN BALLAST WATER?
• The U.S. Coast Guard, the primary Federal
agency charged with establishing controls
on ballast water discharges, is working
closely with EPA and other Federal
agencies to improve ballast water
management by ships and to reduce the
potential for introduction of invasive species
by ships.
• Individual states affected by invasive
species from ballast water are also working
to address the issue for their waters.
• The International Maritime Organization
(IMO) developed a treaty in February 2004
that, once it goes into effect, will help
control the discharge of ballast water and
sediments from ships on international
voyages in order to reduce the risk of
introduction of invasive species.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN MORE
INFORMATION?
• Visit our website at
www.epa.gov/owow/invasive_species/.
• Contact the Oceans and Coastal Protection
Division at 202-566-1200.
Office of Water
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (Mail Code 4504T), Washington, D.C. 20460
EPA-842-F-05-001g
October 2005
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