2024-May-06
Could Lakers' Ballast Water Spread Existing Invasives Around the Great Lakes?
An estimated two-thirds of invasive species currently in the Great Lakes, including zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and round gobies, arrived in the ballast water of cargo ships crossing the ocean. Ballast water in these ocean freighters, known as “salties”, is now regulated, with freighters required to rinse their ballast before entering the Great Lakes system.
There are currently no requirements for lakers, cargo vessels that move exclusively within the Great Lakes, to treat ballast water. However, new studies show that these lakers may be spreading existing invasive species throughout the lakes. Scientists are now looking at what organisms are surviving the trips in Great Lakes ballast water and if there are cost-effective ways to treat ballast water to prevent their spread.
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