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The ballast water management is in news recently after the case of Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) demanding ₹160 crore from the Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, for inefficient ballast water management. Tamil Nadu WRD contends that ineffienct ballast water management has led to the growth and proliferation of Mytella strigata, or charru mussel. This mussel harms marine ecosystems and hinders fisher boat movements, affecting their livelihood.
What is Ballast Water? What is the importance of Ballast Water?
Ballast water- Ballast water is the water that ships carry in their ballast tanks to maintain stability and maneuverability during voyages. This water can be either fresh or saltwater. Ships typically take on ballast water after unloading cargo and discharge it at the next port when they load more cargo.
Importance of Ballast Water-
1. Stability- Addition of ballast water lowers the center of gravity of the ships, preventing them from capsizing.
2. Maneuverability- It enhances the ship’s ability to navigate safely through different sea conditions, in particular rough sea conditions.
3. Weight Adjustment- It compensates for changes in cargo load, fuel consumption, and other weight variations during a voyage.
4. Pass through bridges and other structures- Ballast water is also used to add weight so that a ship sinks low enough in the water to pass under bridges and other structures.
What are the Challenges posed by Ballast Water?
1. Introduction of Invasive Species- Ballast water have been associated with introduction of invasive species, as they contain a wide range of aquatic organisms, including microorganisms, larvae, and small species. Invasive species outcompete with native species, disrupt ecosystems, and lead to declines in biodiversity. For ex- Scientists in India have recorded nearly 30 invasive species coming from ship ballast water, with Charru mussel being the most harmful.
2. Ecological Disruption- Invasive species introduced through ballast water disrupt ecosystems by altering food webs, and habitats. This disruption leads to decline in economically and ecologically important native species. For ex- Charru mussel has led to ecological disruption in the Pulicat lake in Tamil Nadu, and Ashtamudi lake in Kerala.
3. Oceanic Pollution and Algal Blooms- Ballast water contain pollutants such as oil, heavy metals, and chemicals. Discharging polluted ballast water often results in the release of these contaminants into aquatic ecosystems. These also cause Harmful algal blooms (HABs) which lead to fish kills, and shellfish contamination.
4. Spread of Diseases- Pathogenic microorganisms and diseases are transported through ballast water. The release of these pathogens pose risks to human health, wildlife, and aquatic organisms.
5. Economic Impact- The introduction of invasive species and water quality issues caused by ballast water pollution have economic consequences for industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and water supply.
What steps have been taken for regulation of Ballast Water?
| Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention | The Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) came into force in 2017 to help prevent the spread of potentially harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water. The ships must manage their ballast water so that aquatic organisms and pathogens are removed or rendered harmless before the ballast water is released in a new location. |
| New Ships with Ballast water management systems | Ships constructed after the implementation of Ballast water management Convention, have functional ballast water management systems. These ships dose the ballast water with chemicals so that all the water is rendered free of any biological organism before the water is pumped out during the loading of cargo. |
| Old Ships following Ballast Water Management System | Ships built before the BWM convention that do not possess the Ballast Water Management System are required to exchange the ballast water they took in a port with “neutral” water from the middle of the oceans en route to the loading port. |
| Strict Implementation in Australia and New Zealand | Ships calling on Australian and New Zealand ports are subjected to rigorous checks, including of ballast water management systems. |
India is not a signatory to BWM Convention- Since India is not a signatory to the Ballistic Water Management convention, the discharge of ballast water brought in from other countries is not subject to checks or regulation.
What are the challenges in complying with ballast water management regulations?
1. Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) Performance- Many BWMS installations face operational issues, such as malfunctions, inefficiencies in treating ballast water, incorrect installation, inadequate maintenance, or failure to operate under optimal conditions (for ex- UV intensity or chemical dosage).
2. System Compatibility- Different ships have unique configurations and operational conditions. This makes it challenging to implement a one-size-fits-all BWMS.
3. Maintenance Requirements- BWMS requires regular maintenance and monitoring to function effectively. This process is time and resource intensive, which can impact shipping schedules and operational efficiency.
4. Monitoring and Reporting- Monitoring and reporting of compliance is often burdensome for ship operators.
What Should be the way Forward?
1. Signing and ratification of BWM Convention- India must sign and ratify the Ballast Water Management (BWM) convention at the earliest, for effective management of ballast water and getting rid of its detrimental environmental consequences.
2. Comprehensive Training Programs- Shipping companies should invest in robust training modules to ensure that crew members are proficient in operating and maintaining ballast water management systems effectively.
3. Standardization of Regulations- Efforts towards standardizing ballast water management regulations across different jurisdictions should be taken to reduce confusion among the ship operators and enhance compliance.
4. Collaboration with Stakeholders- Engagement with various stakeholders, including governments, industry experts, and environmental organizations, can foster innovation and the sharing of best practices in ballast water management.
| Read More- The Hindu UPSC Syllabus- GS 2- International Conventions and Organisations, GS 3 Environment |
