Canada’s Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, has announced investments of up to $10.9 million for four projects through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) to improve ballast water management systems in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region to combat aquatic invasive species.
The four selected projects, funded through the OPP’s Ballast Water Innovation Program (BWIP), will advance industry-led solutions to assess and address technical challenges related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of ballast water management systems in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region. Ballast water management systems reduce the risk of introducing or spreading invasive species when ballast water is unloaded.
As Pablo Rodriguez explained, by investing to find new ways to manage ballast water, they are protecting biodiversity and ecosystems from invasive species in Canada.
We are making marine shipping safer for marine ecosystems, and we’re strengthening how we respond to marine incidents through Canada’s Ocean Protection Plan
… said the Minister
Quick facts as presented by Transport Canada:
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The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region poses technical and operational challenges when it comes to the treatment of ballast water, where water can be cold, fresh, and sometimes mixed with sediment. The Ballast Water Innovation Program aims to address these challenges by deepening technical expertise within the industry, ultimately helping Canada protect the environment.
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The Ballast Water Regulations are projected to prevent 34 aquatic invasive species from being introduced and spread in Canadian waters by 2044, including five severely damaging species. By preventing harm to the environment and local infrastructure, the regulations are expected to provide $980 million in economic benefits over this period.
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By 2030, Canada’s regulations are expected to reduce the spread of aquatic invasive species at Canadian Great Lakes ports by 82 per cent.
Furthermore, Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West highlighted that with the investment of $5 million into Mouawad Consulting Canada LP under the Ballast Water Innovation Program, they are taking a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, so that Great Lakes can be protected and enjoyed for years to come.
Healthy oceans are vital to fight climate change and protect marine life. That is why Canada is committed to conserving 25 per cent of our marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030. We cannot do this alone. The maritime transportation sector is an important ally to reach this target.
… stated Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada
The organizations receiving funding are:
- Albion Marine Solutions Ltd.
- Algoma Central Corporation
- Armateurs du Saint-Laurent
- Mouawad Consulting Canada LP
