MUSCAT -- The International Conference on the management of ballast water discharge and invasive marine species kicks off today at Shangri La Hotel under the auspices of Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidy, Minister of Interior. Titled "Management of Ballast Water and Other Vectors" the conference is organised by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs MECA in cooperation with participation from the Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management Society (AEHMS) based in Canada. Ballast water discharge is the process of ships expelling waste water, which can have detrimental effects on the environment. The three-day event will see discussions take place on 57 scientific papers, delivered by experts from different local, regional and international bodies concerned with marine life.
Issues likely to be brought to the discussion table include a history of invasive species and vector dynamics in coastal marine ecosystems from a North American perspective, amongst other topics. From a local perspective, there will be a look at the intensity and frequency of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in the coastal waters of Oman. One of the aims of the conference is to look at local, regional, and international efforts to deal with ballast water risks besides following up all global developments in this field. It should also provide a chance to and look into ways other countries deal with illegal actions in this area, along with providing a platform for experience exchange with participating countries and develop paths of cooperation in future.
© Oman Daily Observer 2014
