A Question of Ballast
Protecting Ships, Preventing Species Invasions

Demand for goods around the world drives the global shipping industry. After delivering cargo in one port, ships often take on water in their ballast tanks to provide the extra weight necessary to keep them traveling safely until their next destination. When they arrive, they discharge the water and pick up more cargo. But when ballast water flows out of the ship, plants, animals, and microbes may come with it, introducing potentially invasive species to a new ecosystem. Measures are in place to reduce this risk, but scientists like those at the Maritime Environmental Resource Center are searching for better solutions.