Story: Law of the sea

Organisms in ballast water

Organisms in ballast water

There is increasing concern over the state of the oceans, and introduced marine pests are a serious threat. Noxious organisms are often carried across the world in the ballast water of ships. When this is released into coastal waters, it can adversely affect native marine animals and plants. This drop of water contains the larvae of harmful species of crab, starfish and jellyfish.

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How to cite this page:

Bill Mansfield, 'Law of the sea - Protecting the oceans', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6972/organisms-in-ballast-water (accessed 23 April 2024)

Story by Bill Mansfield, published 12 Jun 2006