Present & Future of Ballast Water Management for Offshore and Inshore Exchanges

Ballast water uptakes and discharges transfer nonnative, and potentially invasive aquatic species on the natural environment, public health, the global economy, ecosystems, and the stakeholders of maritime vessels on the open sea. The researcher proposes an examination of ballast water management for offshore and inshore exchanges in the context of current practices, future mandates, and how the stakeholders, environment, economy, and associated processes are verified. The effect of the ballast water transfers based upon temperature changes from warm to cold will be investigated by multi-criteria analysis of a data series based upon criteria associated with the different temperature regimes during travel and corresponding ballast water transfers in Arctic conditions. A recommendation of best practices will be provided based upon the creative project results and findings.