Ballast water is responsible for a great number of species brought\ninto the region. It is used during a ship\u2019s voyage to provide stability and maneuverability\nto the vessel. Ballast water supports the weight of the vessel, by allowing the\nship or vessels to pass under bridges or other structures, it is held in cargo\nholds and ballast tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a problem as invasive species can unknowingly be transported\nor released through water in many ports while delivering cargo. The\nintroduction of aquatic invasive species is why ballast water is a high-risk\nvector for invasive alien species introduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ballast Water Management Convention is a treaty adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)<\/a> to prevent the spread of potentially harmful pathogens and aquatic organisms in a ship’s ballast water. It became a standard regulation from September 8, 2017, for all ships to manage their ballast water as to render or remove harmless ballast water before it is released into a new location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, all Caribbean countries in the sub-region sans Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have signed the Ballast Water Management Convention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Source: https:\/\/www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov\/subject\/ballast-water<\/a>\n– USDA<\/p>\n\n\n\n