Ballast Water Management to Combat Invasive Species
"In late August 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard published proposed regulations to establish
quantitative standards for ballast water treatment. The proposed standards would initially follow
standards developed by the International Maritime Organization. In a subsequent phase, the
quantitative standards would become much more stringent, given sufficient technological
development to support achievement of the higher standards. The proposed Coast Guard
standards would not preempt existing state ballast water management standards.

This report provides background on various approaches to ballast water management and reviews
current ballast water management laws and programs. This report will be updated as this issue evolves."