BALLAST WATER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Ballast water from ships is facilitating the spread of invasive mussels along the coast near Kamarajar Port, exacerbating local ecological issues.

Ballast Water

• About: It is pumped into ballast tanks when a ship has delivered cargo to a port and is departing with less cargo or no cargo.
• Purpose: Ships need to maintain stability by taking in sea water, known as ballast water, to ensure a consistent level of immersion when discharging or loading cargo.
• Process of Ballast Management: When cargo is discharged and the ship rises, ballast water is taken in to maintain stability. Conversely, when cargo is loaded, the ballast water is pumped out to adjust immersion levels.
• Regulation of Ballast Water: Previously unregulated, the discharge and intake of ballast water at various locations is now subject to global regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species.

How Serious is the Problem?

• Invasive Species in India: Scientists have identified nearly 30 invasive species from ship ballast water in India, with the charru mussel (Mytella rigata) being notably harmful.
• Impact on Ecosystems: The charru mussel has significantly displaced native species in Pulicat Lake and Ashtamudi Lake, Kerala, due to its high survival and reproduction rates.
• Adaptability of Charru Mussel: Despite being of marine origin, the charru mussel can thrive in both marine and freshwater environments, exacerbating its impact on local ecosystems.

Global Regulation

• Global regulations are international rules designed to address issues that affect multiple countries, such as environmental protection, trade standards, and safety measures.
• BWM Convention: The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) was implemented in 2017 to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens via ships’ ballast water.
• Requirement for Ships Post-2017: Since September 8, 2017, all ships must manage their ballast water to ensure that aquatic organisms and pathogens are either removed or neutralized before discharging the water in new locations.