Ballast Water Exchange Standards

Ballast water exchange standards are regulations designed to prevent the spread of invasive species and pathogens through ships' ballast water. Ships take in ballast water to maintain stability during transit, but this water often contains organisms from various ecosystems. The standards require ships to either exchange their ballast water in open ocean areas, where the organisms are less likely to survive, or use approved treatment methods to cleanse it before it's discharged in port. This practice helps protect marine environments and local ecosystems from potential harm caused by foreign species introduction.