International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (Ballast Water Management Convention)

The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, also known as the Ballast Water Management Convention, is an international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of invasive aquatic species through ships' ballast water. Ships take in ballast water for stability and discard it at different locations, which can release non-native organisms into new environments, harming ecosystems. The convention requires ships to manage and treat ballast water using approved procedures and equipment to minimize these ecological risks. Its goal is to protect marine biodiversity while maintaining safe and environmentally responsible shipping practices globally.