Canada’s Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra last week announced funding of C$12.5m ($9.2m) to launch the Ballast Water Innovation Program, part of its Oceans Protection Plan. The program, a central component of the Government of Canada’s efforts to advance the implementation and enforcement of the 2021 Ballast Water Regulations, will play an important role in further reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River by investing in innovative solutions to ballast water management.
Evidence shows that ballast water management systems are an effective solution in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region, said Transport Canada in a press release. However, most ballast water management systems have been developed for warmer, salt-water conditions typically encountered by ocean-going vessels. Great Lakes regional water conditions are cold, fresh and sometimes heavily sedimented. These water conditions can pose a challenge to ballast water management systems in the region.
To address these challenges and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, the new program will undertake four initiatives.
It will fund research projects that ensure ballast water management systems are optimized for unique water environments in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River; aim to provide innovative solutions to ensure the successful implementation of the country’s new ballast water regulations and prevent the entry and spread of invasive aquatic species in the region; enable the government to deepen its technical expertise relating to ballast water management system issues; and inform Canada’s discussions with the US and at the International Maritime Organization towards more compatible rules and increased environmental protections.
Transport Canada is now accepting applications for research funding from Canadian vessel owners and operators, Canadian port authorities, not-for-profit organizations, public-sector organizations and academia until May 10. Approved projects are expected to begin in 2023.
Canada’s 2021 Ballast Water Regulations address its commitments under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 and require the use of ballast water management systems.
Source: Splash 247.com
