Ecological and Oceanographic Criteria for Alternate Ballast Water Exchange Zones in the Pacific Region

Résumé du livre

This report presents an overview of the ecological risk associated with draft zoning regulations for disposal of ballast water that has not been exchanged in mid-ocean before vessels arrive at ports in British Columbia. Using data on average seasonal currents off the British Columbia coast, the authors analyze the possible transport of ballast water organisms into deep ocean habitats and away from key ecosystems & habitats. To decrease the risk of possible harm to coastal ecosystems, an amendment of the draft Transport Canada Annex II alternate ballast water exchange zone is suggested, based on analysis of currents, bathymetry, and eddies. The report also discusses the problematic issue of coastal transport of ballast water organisms and suggests some possible steps to reduce dispersal from this vector into British Columbia waters.