ASFB Home > 2003 > Biological Invasions: Consequences for Parasites, Pathogens, Emerging Diseases, and Fisheries in the Marine Environment.

Ballast water, Sea Chests and Foreign Species: recent research at the Cawthron Institute

Tim Dodgshun, Doug Mountfort & Ashley Coutts

Cawthron Institute, 98 Halifax St., Private Bag 2, Nelson.
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Ships have long been recognized as major carriers of potential marine pests around the world, transporting them in ballast water, sea chests and as hull fouling. Since 1999, Cawthron staff have been investigating methods for heat treatment and sampling of ballast water and the potential of sea chests as transfer mechanisms of marine species. We present results of exploratory trials on the heat treatment of ballast water conducted during a trans-Pacific voyage of the methanol carrier M/T Iver Stream, as well as observations indicating that sea chests may be a more important mechanism in the transfer of marine species than previously thought. Progress in the development of sampling techniques for ballast water and the possible use of existing technologies to reduce the colonisation of sea chests by marine organisms will be discussed.

Room 1 Monday 11.00 am