As the International Ballast Water Convention is entering into force today, Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources expressed satisfaction, as coastal and marine environments will enjoy stronger protection.
Head of biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Lyn O’Connell, said unmanaged ballast water posed a serious biosecurity threat that could potentially introduce a wide range of invasive marine species to national waters.
Ballast water, the water taken on board by vessels to maintain stability on a voyage, can bring with it exotic species that could devastate Australia’s $2.8 billion fisheries industry, damage marine environment and reduce the country’s recreational value, Ms O’Connell noted.
“The international ballast water treaty and Australian legislation that both enter into force today introduce clear requirements for all vessels entering and moving in Australian waters that are designed to address these risks.”
Ms O’Connell said the Biosecurity Amendment (Ballast Water and Other Measures) Act 2017 also brought Australia into line with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments.
“Australia was a key player in the development of the international ballast water convention—first signing up in 2005,” Ms O’Connell said. “That convention has now become a global initiative involving more than 50 countries.”
“Every vessel operator must now comply with the new rules, which apply nationwide.”
