Studies seek solutions to ballast water bugs

Many countries such as Australia, Israel, the US and the UK are developing strategies to address the growing concern over unwanted aquatic microorganisms in their waters which are transported when vessels exchange ballast water. Australia has established the Australian Ballast Water Management Advisory Council to supervise marine research and the development of effective strategies. The UK, through its Marine Safety Agency, is looking into the possibility of copper silver ionization systems and ultraviolet treatment to eliminate unwanted microorganisms in ballast water tanks.