| In February 13, 2004, the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Convention
for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water
and Sediments.
A representative of ANVISA was in the Brazilian delegation,
which attended the Diplomatic Conference held in the WHO
headquarters in London. This Conference adopted the Convention.
The Convention proposes guidelines to minimize the introduction
of non-indigenous (exotic) species and the spread of pathogenic
microorganisms through ballast water.
Ballast water is taken aboard a ship to control stability,
and to ensure safe navigation. In general, the ballast water
is collected in the place the ship operates (i.e. in the
port or shoreline area). It increases the possibility of
loading pathogenic organisms with the ballast water. The
situation may be worsened when there is discharge of untreated
sewage near the area where the ballast water is load. |
PICTURES
OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
(click the picture to enlarge
it)
|
