2015 Biennial Report on the California Marine Invasive Species Program Marine Invasive Species Program California State Lands Commission February 20, 2015
Nonindigenous Species (NIS) Organisms transported by humans to regions where they do not occur historically Cause serious impacts to economy, human health, and environment Second greatest threat to global biodiversity after habitat destruction
Shipping Vectors 79.5% coastal introductions to N.A. attributed to ships Ballast Water – water taken into vessel for stability purposes – Organisms introduced when ballast is discharged Vessel Biofouling – organisms attached to or associated with wetted surfaces of ships – Organisms introduced when they drop off or reproduce (spawn)
Marine Invasive Species Program (MISP) Authorizing Legislation – Ballast Water Management for Control of NIS Act (1999) – Marine Invasive Species Act (2003) Multi-agency state program – Commission, CDFW, State Water Board, BOE Special fund – Vessel fee $850 per arrival at California ports Mandate – Move the state expeditiously towards elimination of the discharge of NIS into California waters
MISP Biennial Report Commission must submit report to Legislature every two years This report is 7 th Biennial Report on the MISP, outlining program activities and vessel- reported NIS management practices July 1, June 30, 2014 Public Resources Code sections and 71212
2015 Biennial Report – Contents Introduction to NIS and vessels vectors Origins and overview of the MISP Emerging issues Analysis of vessel arrivals patterns, vessel- reported data on ballast water and biofouling management Overview of external and funded research Next steps and conclusions
Vessel Arrivals at California Ports 9,500 arrivals annually
Ballast Water Management Compliance 122 million metric tons of ballast carried into CA – 98% managed in compliance with CA law Majority of arrivals (84%) report no discharge 23.4 MMT reported discharged into California
Hull Husbandry Data 5 years of data ( ) Most complete data set in the world on hull husbandry and vessel operational practices that influence biofouling accumulation
Next Steps Improve compliance with ballast water management laws – Outreach to vessel types with majority of violations – Develop enforcement regulations Reduce discharge of “high risk” BW in California – Management options for unmanned barges Work towards implementation of BW performance standards – Discuss legislative options to address lack of available technologies – Assess performance of shipboard ballast water treatment systems – Await results of shore-based treatment feasibility study Biofouling management – Propose biofouling management regulations – Consult with Water Boards on in-water cleaning in California Track federal bills that could impact Commission authority
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