Re: GLIN==> Binational Panel calls for ballast management program

[Jennifer Nalbone <jen@glu.org>]

Dear GLIN, etal:

Great Lakes United, the only environmental group that sits as a member to
the ANS Panel, has consistently participated in the development of the
Policy Statement on Ballast Water Management, calling for
"environmentally sound"  methods of addressing exotic
species introductions via ballast water.

The final ballast water management policy statement approved by members
of the panel is based on the following objective:

"To eliminate ballast-associated ANS introductions into waters of
the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence system, and reduce ANS dispersal between the
lakes through the regional development and application of a
timely, effective,scientifically based, environmentally
sound and economically viable binational ballast water management
program." 

Considering the inclusion of  "environmentally sound"
within the final policy statement objective, the omission of this
language in the April 25 press release was very obvious (see the
objective paraphrased in the second bullet below). 

Please correct this omission if the press release is distributed
further.

Thank you,
Jennifer Nalbone
Habitat and Biodiversity Coordinator, Great Lakes United

> Among many others, the policy statement calls
> for:
>
> * The development of ballast water criteria and associated guidelines /
> regulations;
>
> * Programs that are scientifically sound and effective, yet avoid
> placing the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence maritime industry at a competitive
> disadvantage with others;
>
> * New legal regimes that feature incrementally achievable criteria with
> the goal of "zero discharge" of aquatic nuisance species;
> and
>
> * full-scale application of promising ballast water management/treatment
> technologies on commercial vessels.

Jennifer Nalbone

Habitat and Biodiversity Coordinator

Great Lakes United

1300 Elmwood Avenue

Cassety Hall- Buffalo State College

Buffalo, NY 14222

ph: (716) 886-0142  fax:-0303