Commission submits ballast water management statement

The Great Lakes Commission recognizes that ballast water (including entrained solids) from ocean-going commercial vessels is a primary vector for the introduction of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) to the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system. The Commission believes that a ballast water management program based on efficient, effective, scientifically based, environmentally sound and economically viable regulations, guidelines, and polices must be developed and implemented on a regional level to prevent the introduction and spread of ANS via commercial shipping.

The Commission submitted a position statement on the U.S. Coast Guard's Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Ballast Water Discharge Standards at a public scoping meeting held in Cleveland, Ohio on October 31, 2003. The statement reflects a resolution on ballast water management adopted by the Commission on May 16, 2001. The Commission's position was informed by the Policy Statement on Ballast Water Management of the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species.

The Great Lakes Commission, chaired by Samuel W. Speck (Ohio), is a nonpartisan, binational compact agency created by state and U.S. federal law and dedicated to promoting a strong economy, healthy environment and high quality of life for the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence region and its residents. The Commission consists of state legislators, agency officials, and governors' appointees from its eight member states. Associate membership for Ontario and Québec was established through the signing of a "Declaration of Partnership." The Commission maintains a formal Observer program involving U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, tribal authorities, binational agencies and other regional interests. The Commission offices are located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.