Harmful Aquatic Organisms And Pathogens Research Articles

‘Challenges and Regulatory Precautionary Approach of Flag States in Implementing Obligations Under the Ballast Water Management Convention’

Increasing shipping activities necessitated by an upsurge in international trading has a resultant impact on the marine ecosystem. Apart from the usual incidences of marine pollution and oil spillages, the introduction and transfer of invasive alien species (IAS), often known as harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP), are increasing and impacting marine ecosystems and biological diversities. In realization of these threats, at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was requested to consider the adoption of appropriate rules on ballast water discharge based on the understanding that ships’ ballast water serves as a pathway for such bio-invasion transfer. Responding to these challenges led to the adopting of several regulations, technical guidelines, and rules, including the Ballast Water Management Convention in 2004. Hence, implementing the Convention has several implications for the existing legal regimes on flag states. The Convention and its Guidelines are complex and technical, coupled with a differential approach to ballast water management (BWM) by non-state parties like the U.S. Therefore, this research paper analyses some of the challenges and precautionary regulatory approaches for flag states in implementing the Convention while carrying out their obligations under the Convention. It concluded by suggesting a reflection of universally acceptable and environmentally friendly standards for ballast water management and treatment for containing the increasing prevalence of bio-invasion in the marine ecosystem.

Analysis of Ballast Water Discharged in Port—A Case Study of the Port of Ploče (Croatia)

Ballast water is recognized as a major vector for the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) and a source of sea pollution that negatively affects the environment and human health. Therefore, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) in 2004. The BWM Convention introduced two standards, Ballast Water Exchange Standard (Regulation D-1) and Ballast Water Performance Standard (Regulation D-2). Ships are required to install Ballast Water Treatment (BWT) equipment in order to comply with Regulation D-2. However, the deadline for the installation of BWT is prolonged until September 2024, and many ships are still complying only with Regulation D-1. In addition, there are specific sea areas where Regulation D-1 cannot be complied with, and hence, HAOP could be easily transferred between ports. Consequently, it is essential to develop a system to protect the marine environment, human health and economy in coastal areas from the introduction of HAOP. This paper analyses ballast water discharged in the Port of Ploče (Croatia) according to ship type, age and flag they are flying. It was found that general cargo ships and bulk carriers discharged most of the ballast (87% of the total quantity) in the Port of Ploče. Moreover, discharged ballast water was analysed according to the origin, and it was found that 70% of discharged ballast originates from the Adriatic Sea. Based on the analysis of the research results and literature review, the ballast water risk assessment (BWRA) method was adopted, however, with certain modifications. The adopted method is modified by an additional risk factor (the deballasting ship’s age), different risk scoring of the deballasting ship type and adding Paris MoU Grey and Black lists flag ships as high-risk ships. As a result, the BWRA method presented in the paper could be used as an early warning system and to facilitate the implementation of adequate measures to prevent pollution by discharged ballast water.

Ballast Water Management Strategy to Reduce the Impact of Introductions by Utilizing an Empirical Risk Model

The introduction of non-indigenous aquatic species (NIASs) was identified as one of the major threats to aquatic ecosystems. Shipping is one of the potential invasive pathways for the introduction of marine NIASs, mainly via ballast water, sediments, and ship fouling. In addition, The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) aims to mitigate the introduction risk of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOPs) via ships’ ballast water and sediment. Some of these species can be very harmful and cause loss of biodiversity, adverse environmental consequences, and economic and social impacts. In this study, an empirical model based on the environmental similarity and the vessel characteristics was used to assess the risk associated with the ballast water, for the incoming vessels to the port of Kaohsiung and port of Riga. The priority for port state control (PSC) inspection was established and recommended for better ballast water management.

Exceptions and exemptions under the ballast water management convention – Sustainable alternatives for ballast water management?

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) aims to mitigate the introduction risk of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) via ships’ ballast water and sediments. The BWM Convention has set regulations for ships to utilise exceptions and exemptions from ballast water management under specific circumstances. This study evaluated local and regional case studies to provide clarity for situations, where ships could be excepted or exempted from ballast water management without risking recipient locations to new introductions of HAOP.Ships may be excepted from ballast water management if all ballasting operations are conducted in the same location (Regulation A-3.5 of the BWM Convention). The same location case study determined whether the entire Vuosaari harbour (Helsinki, Finland) should be considered as the same location based on salinity and composition of HAOP between the two harbour terminals. The Vuosaari harbour case study revealed mismatching occurrences of HAOP between the harbour terminals, supporting the recommendation that exceptions based on the same location concept should be limited to the smallest feasible areas within a harbour.The other case studies evaluated whether ballast water exemptions could be granted for ships using two existing risk assessment (RA) methods (Joint Harmonised Procedure [JHP] and Same Risk Area [SRA]), consistent with Regulation A-4 of the BWM Convention. The JHP method compares salinity and presence of target species (TS) between donor and recipient ports to indicate the introduction risk (high or low) attributed to transferring unmanaged ballast water. The SRA method uses a biophysical model to determine whether HAOP could naturally disperse between ports, regardless of their transportation in ballast water. The results of the JHP case study for the Baltic Sea and North-East Atlantic Ocean determined that over 97% of shipping routes within these regions resulted in a high-risk indication. The one route assessed in the Gulf of Maine, North America also resulted in a high-risk outcome. The SRA assessment resulted in an overall weak connectivity between all ports assessed within the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, indicating that a SRA-based exemption would not be appropriate for the entire study area.In summary, exceptions and exemptions should not be considered as common alternatives for ballast water management. The availability of recent and detailed species occurrence data was considered the most important factor to conduct a successful and reliable RA. SRA models should include biological factors that influence larval dispersal and recruitment potential (e.g., pelagic larval duration, settlement period) to provide a more realistic estimation of natural dispersal.

Sediments in the ship’s ballast water tank: a problem to be solved

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention) was entered into force in September 2017. It deals with one of the greatest threats to coastal and marine environments around the world: aquatic invasive alien species (IAS) and harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP). Although the control of IAS and HAOP through treatment of ballast water (BW) is appropriately dealt with in the Convention and its implementation, the problems generated by sediments are not treated in such a manner. There are many published technical and scientific papers, discussions and commentaries proposing the remediation of the present situation. They are discussed, and recommendations are summarized. Besides, several systems for the treatment of BW use a combination of two or three techniques, with filtration usually being the first and/or the last step. Presence of sediments in BW results in the reduced applicability of such an approach. The requirements for sediment management procedures are discussed along with a proposal for their implementation. In the first step, the ballast tank sediments should be freed of active biological agents for the elimination of IAS and HAOP. Instead of biological agents, we advocate the use of radiation treatment by using an electron accelerator, preferably in an on-shore installation or as a mobile, additive, sea container size units with integral power, separated for water and sediment treatment. In the second step, the concentrations of heavy metals should be determined. We recommend the use of EDXRF as an analytical method. After the determination of sediment class, the recommended disposal procedures should be followed. Sediment management procedures should specify the disposal requirements: (i) free of active biological agents, IAS and HAOP; (ii) chemical composition, no chemical elements in a toxic range (≤ Class 3); and (iii) displacement/storage requirements, displacing sediments characterized as harmful in appropriate sediment reception facilities/landfills.

Risk assessment model based on expert's perspective for ballast water management

The Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) entered into force in September 2017. It made provisions for the utilization of risk assessments to determine the impact of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP). In this study, we proposed a comprehensive framework for evaluating an incoming vessel's risk level of introducing HAOP via ballast water by employing the Delphi method and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) -based decision analysis process. Questionnaires were distributed to 21 marine experts in northern Europe and Taiwan to collect their opinions on 15 risk factors. The framework was then modified according to the experts' feedback. Ten risk factors were selected under two categories: 1) source of ballast water and 2) vessel characteristics. The derived framework could serve as a decision-making tool to assist port states in identifying potential high risk vessels on their borders, and thus enhance the effective implementation and enforcement of the BWMC.

A tripartite approach to operator-error evaluation in ballast water management system operation

This paper presents a new methodology developed to quantitatively analyze and prioritize the contributions of Human Factors (HFs) in the human-machine-interaction (HMI) within a complex sociotechnical system such as a Ballast Water Management (BWM) System. The methodology is a combination of the Human Factor Analysis Classification System (HFACS), Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and a modified version of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) known as the Radial Dynamics Model (RDM). The methodology (HFACS-AHP-RDM) is based on a five-step algorithm, with which data from experts’ judgment was analyzed. A human-error and system risk minimization hierarchy was subsequently proposed to improve human performance and minimize the likelihood of an unwanted event such as the discharge of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOPs). The result from the study in order of hierarchy showed fatigue, training and complex automation to be the HFs with the greatest impacts on BWM operations. Minimizing their impact, therefore, will have the greatest positive contribution on the performance of the system. Relevance to industryThe study's outcome shall help decision makers in prioritizing limited resources (e.g. time and money) allocation to resolving only issues related to HFs with the greatest impact on BWM System's performance. The new methodology could also be applicable in assessing the relative impacts of subjective criteria like HFs in complex sociotechnical systems other than BWM Systems.

Oceanographic characteristics of the Adriatic Sea – Support to secondary HAOP spread through natural dispersal

Vessels, specifically ballast water and hull fouling, are a major vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) in European seas. The Mediterranean is one of the world's marine regions where their invasion is heaviest. The shallow Adriatic basin is a highly sensitive area that is already experiencing its consequences. The secondary spread of NIS over a wider area through natural dispersion is a complex process that depends on a wide range of oceanographic factors. This work analysed the dataset of the BALMAS project, in whose framework twelve ports in the Adriatic Sea were subjected to a Port Baseline Survey (PBS), to estimate the natural spread of NIS organisms from their port of arrival to the wider Adriatic basin. Its findings indicate that the prevailing water circulation patterns facilitate the natural dispersal of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP).

Strategy of port baseline surveys (PBS) in the Adriatic Sea

Port baseline surveys (PBS) provide species inventories in and around ports, with a focus on non-indigenous species that may have been introduced by vessels, primarily via ballast water. PBS are an essential tool to support effective management strategies for non-indigenous as well as native harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP). This paper describes the methodology of PBS that were conducted in 12 Adriatic ports. The PBS employed existing protocols that were adapted to meet the characteristics of the Adriatic sites. Their results are reported in several papers included in this special issue, each of which is devoted to a specific community. An overview of existing surveys protocols – which provide valuable support to decision-making and to design effective monitoring of non-indigenous species – is also supplied.

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

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.

Phytoplankton diversity in Adriatic ports: Lessons from the port baseline survey for the management of harmful algal species

An inventory of phytoplankton diversity in 12 Adriatic ports was performed with the port baseline survey. Particular emphasis was put on the detection of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) because of their negative impact on ecosystem, human health, and the economy. Phytoplanktonic HAOP are identified as species, either native or non-indigenous (NIS), which can trigger harmful algal blooms (HAB). A list of 691 taxa was prepared, and among them 52 were classified as HAB and five as NIS. Records of toxigenic NIS (Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, Ostreopsis species including O. cf. ovata) indicate that the intrusion of non-native invasive phytoplankton species has already occurred in some Adriatic ports. The seasonal occurrence and abundance of HAOP offers a solid baseline for a monitoring design in ports in order to prevent ballast water uptake and possible expansion of HAOP outside their native region.

Ballast water sediment management in ports

In order to estimate the possible effects of existing ballast tank sediment management routine in ports the respective legal framework from different states was examined and the operational modes of selected Adriatic shipyards was analysed. The goal was to determine if the States' administration and ports' management are aware of risks which sediments pose to human health and environment due to possible presence of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) or high concentrations of heavy metals. The analysis revealed that sediments from ballast tanks after being collected, are subject to the same handling procedure as any other waste material generated during ships' repair and maintenance. In addition, measures preventing sediment drainage into the sea or procedures for analyzing the presence of heavy metals or toxics have not been identified. The paper proposes the procedures ensuring the more advanced level of protection from HAOP and potentially toxic substances from ballast sediment.

Developing and testing an Early Warning System for Non Indigenous Species and Ballast Water Management

This paper describes the methodological approach used for the development of an Early Warning System (EWS) for Non Indigenous Species (NIS) and ballast water management and summarizes the results obtained. The specific goals of the EWS are firstly to warn vessels to prevent loading of ballast water when critical biological conditions occur in ports and surrounding areas i.e. mass development or blooms of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP). Secondly, to warn environmental and health authorities when NIS or pathogens are present in ports or surrounding areas to enable an early response and an implementation of remediation measures. The EWS is designed to be used for implementing various parallel obligations, by taking into consideration different legal scopes, associated information and decision-making needs. The EWS was elaborated, tested in the Adriatic Sea and illustrated by two case studies. Although the EWS was developed with an Adriatic Sea focus, it is presented in a format so that it may be used as a model when establishing similar systems in other locations. The role of the various actors is discussed and recommendations on further developments of the EWS are presented. It was concluded that the EWS is a suitable tool to reduce the spread of potentially harmful and ballast water mediated species.

ECDIS Possibilities for BWE Adoption

The Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) development and implementation have been linked primarily to the safety of navigation. Further development allows the implementation from other aspects of navigation. This primarily pertains to the Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (HAOP) from Ballast Water Exchange (BWE) and the use of ECDIS system for improving environmental protection. The paper contains an overview of important legal aspects of sea environment protection related to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention on global as well as on local scale. Apart from enhancing the safety of navigation, integration of the proposed tool for sea environment protection in the ECDIS with onboard ballast water system can significantly contribute to sea and sea environment protection from harmful substances. In this paper, the architecture of such system is suggested. This approach also ensures a reduction of possible consequences on ecological incidents and human errors.

Assessing exemptions under the ballast water management convention: preclude the Trojan horse

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) is a powerful instrument aimed at reducing spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOPs). As BWMC is expected to enter into force soon, shipping companies will start seeking exemptions for ballast water management in accordance with BWMC Regulation A-4. However, without scientifically robust risk assessment (RA) and consistent rules, the exemptions may introduce a new form of risk within a convention generally designed to reduce risks. This paper describes an adaptive system for granting exemptions, consisting of six major components: target species selection procedure, port-to-port RA, monitoring, information support, administrative decision and review process. The system is based on key principles defined in the IMO guidelines for RA and is designed to continuously accumulate evolving experience on granting exemptions. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the control of the spread of HAOPs, without placing an unnecessary burden on the shipping industry.