Post on 13-Dec-2015
2015 Biennial Report on the California Marine Invasive Species Program
Marine Invasive Species ProgramCalifornia State Lands CommissionFebruary 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 7th Biennial Report on the MISP, outlining program activities and vessel-reported NIS management practices• July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2014
• Public Resources Code sections 71210 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
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 (2008-2013)• 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