New ballast water regulations to enter into force in Canada

As the Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, informed, new Ballast Water Regulations will come into force to strengthen existing rules for vessels on international voyages and the introduction of new rules for vessels which remain in Canada and on the Great Lakes.

These regulations, which replace the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations, apply to vessels in Canadian waters and to Canadian vessels anywhere in the world. They are based on a global approach to manage ballast water. Vessels are now required to:

• Plan their ballast water management and reduce the number of organisms in their ballast water, typically by installing a ballast water management system;
• Carry a valid certificate, keep records, and be regularly surveyed and inspected. Smaller vessels may follow an equivalent approach tailored to their operations and size.

The Government of Canada is taking action to prevent aquatic species invasions which harm the environment and the Canadian economy. The new Ballast Water Regulations will limit the introduction and spread of these species by vessels while protecting Canada’s biodiversity. Together, we will make Canada’s oceans safer, cleaner, and healthier for our children and grandchildren and chart a clear path toward a future that is driven by sustainability, resilience and prosperity for all Canadians.

said Omar Alghabra.

Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also added that the new Ballast Water Regulations are a part of Canada’s commitment to combat aquatic invasive species and the threat they pose to its Blue Economy.

These rules mandate ballast water treatment technologies and the continued use of ballast water exchange for fresh waters. Together, these requirements will significantly reduce the risk of introduction and spread of harmful invasive species. Since the Great Lakes are a shared, binational resource, the Commission calls upon the United States to follow Canada’s lead by issuing similar regulations

stated Jim McKane, Chair, Canadian Section of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission