Introduction

摘要

When ships began using seawater as ballast over a century ago it is unlikely that anyone foresaw that the practice would be blamed for spreading alien species around the world's oceans or that ballast would have to undergo treatment to prevent species migration. But that is exactly what has happened. While the shipping industry cannot be blamed for every transfer of marine organisms, it must recognise it has a duty to protect fragile ecologies while continuing to benefit from the advantages that using water ballast can bestow on vessel operations.