Fluctuations of Zooplankton Taxa in Ballast Waterduring Short-Term and Long-Term Ocean-Going Voyages

Abstract

A major vector for unintentional species introductions is international shipping. A wide range of organisms have been transported over long distances in ships' ballast tanks and as hull fouling. Although many desk studies and ship sampling programmes have been carried out, little information is available on changing numbers of individuals in ballast water during voyages. Detailed information could assist in evaluating the dimension of species import and future risks of unintentional species introductions by ballast water. The first European study, organised as a concerted action team and financed by the European Union, carried out several long-term and short-term workshops on board ships undertaking international voyages. The preliminary results from sampling the ballast water of the first four oceangoing workshops of this Concerted Action showed a decrease in numbers of specimens and taxa over time.