LI Weicai, LIU Jianzhong
Abstract
The introduction of invasive marine species into new environments by ships' ballast water has been identified as one threat to the world oceans. Ballast water also poses a serious ecological, economic and health problem, it may contain bacteria and other microbes, small invertebrates and the eggs, cysts and larvae of various marine species including algae in ships' ballast tank.
In response to this threat, the International Maritime Organisation(IMO) had adopted guidelines by the IMO Assembly in 1997 by resolution A.868(20), for the control and management of ships' ballast water, to minimize the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens.
In addition to the above, IMO also launches a new project named the Global Ballast Water Management Programme which aims to assist developing countries to implement effective measures to control the introduction of alien species, initially through six demonstration sites, they are:
| China | East Asia |
| India | South Asia |
| Iran | Middle East |
| South Africa | Africa |
| Ukrane | Eastern Europe |
| Brazil | South America |
It is planned that as these sites progress, they will be replicated throughout each region in the future.
Chinese government holds this programme great account, the State Quality Monitor and Inspection Quarantine Bureau has joined forces with scientific research establishments and universities to conduct investigation on such questions in China, Initially aimed at ports of Dalian, Qingdao, Ningbo et al. Surveying and studying planktons and pathogens carried in ships' ballast water, and also surveying baseline around those ports. Specialized meetings were already held in Beijing and Qingdao, further arrangements are underway by a number of scientists.