Hot Events:

The Preliminary Programme for the 13th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species is posted on the conference Web site. The conference is being held September 19-24, 2004 in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.  http://www.aquatic-invasive-species-conference.org
 

CQD Journal Reporting from the International Conference on Ballast Water Management: 9-13 February 2004:  Alien invaders in ballast water - new Convention adopted at IMO. 
According to many experts, including the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, the mounting problem of invasive species is one of the most critical environmental issues facing the world today.  Many countries including the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand have been insisting that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) determine a worldwide format upon which invasive species in ballast water can be managed.  On Friday the thirteenth of February 2004, IMO finalized a document for managing aquatic invasive species titled the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments. This much-anticipated Convention will set the standard for ballast water (BW) management legislation throughout the world.

The Third International Symposium on "Prevention of Pollution from Ships and Shipyards", November 5 - 7, 2003, at the Lindy Boggs Convention Center at the University of New Orleans.  The technical program will focus on the performance, fate, behavior and environmental effects of biocides used in marine antifouling paints and in the development of new environmentally friendly marine antifouling paints, and the treatment of regulated discharges from shipyards and drydocks.  Updated with conference reporting (day 1, days 2&3)

National Maritime Salvage Conference 2003 -
Day 1 coverage        Day 2 coverage
Sponsored by the American Salvage Association (ASA), this conference deals in issues of salvage and fire fighting regulations.

Keynote speakers include RADM Thomas Gilmour, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard; RADM Larry Hereth , Director of Port Security, U.S. Coast Guard; Chet Lunner, Associate Under Secretary for Maritime and Land Security, Transportation Security Administration; and CAPT James Wilkins , Supervisor of Salvage for the U.S. Navy, among others.

(direct link to their website www.americansalvage.org )

Recent Hot Events:

2nd International Ballast Water Treatment R&D Symposium - IMO London 21-23 July 2003  Updated with conference reporting - Aug 2003

In a world where 75,000 ships transport about 15,000 potentially invading species per week, the topic of regulating the discharge of all ballast water is a very contentious one.  As the branch of the United Nations delegated to address environmental and safety issues in shipping, IMO has been debating the issue and trying to come up with unilateral regulations.  The difficulty of this project is highlighted by the years it has taken to come to some conclusions.

12th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species - June 9 to 12, 2003, Windsor, Canada - Updated with conference reporting

The introduction of nonindigenous aquatic species is an ongoing problem that is increasing in frequency. Although the zebra mussel may be the most widely known invader, there are many other nonindigenous invertebrates, fish and plants that are causing significant damage to freshwater and coastal ecosystems, and to the economies that depend upon them.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is the host sponsor of the 12th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species. This annual four-day conference is widely considered the most comprehensive international forum for the review of accumulated scientific knowledge on the impacts of aquatic invasive species, presentation of the most recent field research, technologies for control and mitigation, discussion of policy to prevent new introductions, and approaches to effective public education and outreach initiatives. 
 

Press Releases:

2004 Press Releases:
March - U.S. Coast Guard - Aquatic Nuisance Species Program Update  - February/March 2004.  This month's headlines: Coast Guard Launches Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP); International Ballast Water Management Treaty; Ballast Water Management for U.S. Waters ; Electronic Reporting Encouraged; Calendar of Events.

IMO Briefing 08/2004 - 13 February 2004; International Conference on Ballast Water Management: 9-13 February 2004  Alien invaders in ballast water - new Convention adopted at IMO

2003 Press Releases:
Briefing 32/2003 - 1 December 2003 - Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) - 50th session: 1 and 4 December 2003 :  IMO meeting to consider proposals for accelerated single-hull tanker phase-out, new regulation on carriage of heavy fuel oil

Briefing 32 2003 - 28 November 2003 - Efthimios Mitropoulos confirmed as new IMO Secretary-General
 

For past "Hot Events" please visit our "CQD World Wire Events" Section

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This page last updated by Miller Associates: Friday, April 16, 2004