Title:

An assessment of progress in the implementation of the BWM convention on ships as an important element in protecting aquatic ecosystems

Creator:

Zatoń-Sieczka, Kinga ; Czerniejewski, Przemysław

Subject:

ballast water ; foreign species ; BWM convention ; ballast water treatment ; sea transport

Description:

The purpose of this study was to assess progress in the implementation of rules for the control and handling of ballast water and sediments, regulated by the International Convention on the Control and Handling of Ship Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention). The survey was conducted in 2018-2019 among seafarers responsible for handling ballast tanks. Analysis of the survey data revealed that despite the introduction of water treatments, ballast water continues to be a vector for the transfer of non-native organisms. This is due to the low effectiveness of the methods used, and the fact that 8% of the respondents answered that no BWT systems were used on the ships they manage. Despite this, some seafarers (4.7%) indicated that increasing environmental awareness and adherence to BWM principles should result in improved protection of aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, the global problem concerning the transport of non-native organisms via ballast water has still not been solved effectively. In the near future, improved BWT systems should be introduced, which after proper training of the crew will act as a barrier to the transfer of non-native organisms in ballast water.

Place of publishing:

Koszalin

Publisher:

Politechnika Koszalińska

Date:

2021

Type:

artykuł w czasopiśmie

Format:

application/pdf

Language:

eng

Is part of:

Rocznik Ochrona Środowiska. Vol. 23, s. 78-93

Rights:

Biblioteka Politechniki Koszalińskiej

Access rights:

internet

License:

Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0