Marine Organisms Transported in Ballast Water

Abstract

The introduction of exotic and possibly harmful organisms into Australian waters by discharging ballast water is an issue of growing importance. It was discussed briefly in Maritime Studies, 49, November/December 1989. Now the Fisheries Resources Branch, Bureau of Rural Resources, has published an extensive report on the problem: Marine Organisms Transported in Ballast Water: A Review of the Australian Scientific Position, Madeleine M Jones, Bureau of Rural Resources, Bulletin No.11, Canberra, Australian Government Publishing Service, 49pp. We reproduce here the summary, conclusions and recommendations from this report.