Resolution: Policy Statement on Ballast Water Management: A Product of the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species
Adopted on May 16, 2001

Whereas, the invasion of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system and inland waters continues to threaten the ecological integrity, biological diversity and economic health of the region; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species recognizes that ballast water (liquid and entrained solids) from commercial vessels is a primary vector for the introduction and spread of ANS to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Panel has produced a Policy Statement on Ballast Water Management based on the following objective: "To eliminate ballast-associated ANS introductions into waters of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system, and reduce ANS dispersal between the lakes through the regional development and application of a timely, effective, scientifically based, environmentally sound and economically viable binational ballast water management program."

Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission, applauds the Great Lakes Panel for its initiative in developing the statement; and

Be It Further Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission endorses the statement's basic principles as follows:

• The introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system must be addressed as a regional, national and international issue and, therefore, a multi-jurisdictional approach is needed to promote consistency with regard to laws, policies and programs;
• Ballast water criteria must be established to eliminate future introductions and intrasystem transfer of ANS;
• Ballast water criteria must be used in the development of uniform regulations/guidelines, best management practices and treatment technologies, and ANS discharge policies that apply to all commercial vessels (those in ballast as well as no ballast on board vessels) operating in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system, regardless of the port of origin or jurisdiction;
• Funding increases for research and development of new technologies for ballast water management and for ballast water sampling and monitoring must be secured;
• An institutional framework must be established that will promote implementation of an effective, environmentally sound and economically viable ballast water management program for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system; and
• Prevention and control strategies for other commercial and recreational activities that provide pathways for ANS introduction and spread in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system must be established.

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission encourages its member jurisdictions, governors and premiers, and the national ANS Task Force and other appropriate parties to consider the Great Lakes Panel's policy statement on ballast water management in support of efforts to develop and implement a ballast water management program on a regional/binational basis.

Unanimously adopted by the eight member states of the Great Lakes Commission at the 2001 Semiannual Meeting in Ann Arbor, Mich., May 16, 2001.