Ballast water management for sustainable development – some remarks on Polish law

Dorota Pyć,O Dębicka,P Rogula-Kopiec,W Rogula-Kozłowska

doi:10.1051/shsconf/20185701027

Abstract

The main aim of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) is to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the risk of introducing harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) transferred in ships’ ballast waters and sediments to non-native environment for them, mainly for waters in seaports and coastal waters. The BWM Convention entered into force globally on 8 September 2017. This convention is based on the precautionary principle and the ecosystem approach to achieving sustainable development goals. Effective protection and preservation of the maritime environment depends on the preventive and reasonable actions, especially in case of environmental threats or combating pollution. This means that it is necessary to react efficiently by relevant authorities and boost international and regional cooperation, as well as development of other instruments such as inspection and reporting systems. The purpose of this paper is to present the state of preparation to the implementation of the BWM Convention in connection with its ratification by Poland, which is planned for 2018.

Highlights

Effective protection and preservation of the marine environment and coastal ecosystems is in the sphere of international concern
The problem of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) in ballast water was first raised at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1988
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments was adopted at a Diplomatic Conference at IMO in London on 13th February 2004 [15]

Summary

Introduction

Effective protection and preservation of the marine environment and coastal ecosystems is in the sphere of international concern. International shipping has undergone tremendous changes in the last few decades They are related to the constantly growing economic importance of the maritime commercial fleet in the global dimension, and to a technical and technological progress, changing the face of the shipping industry. The uncontrolled discharge of ballast water and sediments from ships has led to the transfer of HAOP, causing injury or damage to the environment, human health, property and resources. This has been noticed by the international community more than thirty years ago, and the phenomenon itself is accompanied by the intensification of maritime transport in international maritime trade. Measures to prevent pollution from ships will protect some species from the others

Harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water

Ballast Water Management Convention

Findings

Conclusions