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 Reporting by Chris Swanson,
Managing Editor, CQD Journal
Alexandria, VA: The International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species may have started off as the Zebra Mussel Conference 11 years
ago, but it has certainly expanded since. The variety of industries affected by invasive species goes far beyond hitchhikers in ballast water, and this gathering identifies many of them. Speakers are presenting from power plant and drinking water utilities whose intake
pipes become clogged with zebra mussels and aquatic non-native weeds. Aquaculture representatives are talking about diseases that infect fis h and shrimp hatcheries as well as baitfish culturing waters. Anglers are positively affected by fish they stock
and negatively affected by sport fish harming invaders such as the sea lamprey and spiny water flea. Even pet industry representatives are here to explain ways to tell whether a reptile will be
harmful if imported into someone's home. All of these industries must deal with the problems of invasive species. So, why should CQD Journal's traditional audience of shipping people be interested?
Commonalities in problems can lead to solutions that may not have been considered. The pet industry learned some lessons in creating practical codes of
conduct that shippers may not have considered. Fishers and anglers may turn out to be allies and not adversaries to shipping. It always pays to look beyond one's own
industry when confronting a problem, especially one as politically charged as invasive species. Convincing politicians that danger is arriving in the form of a non-native pest or
plant is one of the common challenges faced by invasive species experts of all kinds.  Conference Chair Ed Theriot, who deals with Federal officials, said politicians invariably ask two questions - Are invasive species really a problem, and how
much are they costing us? He said, "impacts to ecology and human health are frightening, but what really motivates our lawmakers is costs." The challenge lies, according to Theriot, in creating a
credible model to estimate invasive species costs. Scientists must agree on an economic model that speaks in a language the public and politicians can understand. We need to develop a language that
gives a true value to our resources. How do you put a cost on a lake lost to some weeds? Theriot said it is up to scientists who understand the dangers to come up with a means to do this. (Ed
Theriot's email address: therioe@wes.army.mil) Following are brief highlights from a number of sessions for February 26th The following reports are based on presentations made at the 11th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species, February 26, 2002. Opinions and estimates are those of the Presenter's unless otherwise noted. CQD Journal for the Maritime Environment Industry
makes no assertions as to the validity of the statements or opinions and cannot be held responsible for any of the information or claims contained therein. We make every effort
to report as accurately as possible, as presented by the speakers during the session. Shippers Response to the Various State and Provincial Ballast Water Initiatives as presented by Georges Robichon, SVP and General Counsel, Fednav Ltd. Recreational Activities: A Perspective on Aquatic Invasive Species Impacts as presented by Jay Sherwin, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Shippers Response to the Various State and Provincial Ballast Water Initiatives
as presented by Georges Robichon, SVP and General Counsel, Fednav Ltd. Email address: grobichon@fednav.com
Robichon's message could well be titled "Get Involved in Policy Making." His keynote address described how Fednav, one of the largest shipping firms on the Great Lakes, recognized legislation that would  have stifled shipping on the lakes. Fednav's responsible actions lead to
the development of effective ballast water legislation and a better relationship between shipping and government. Poor public perceptions of shippers and misinformation about ballast water
practices led senators in Michigan to sponsor an anti-shipping bill. The Michigan bill, as originally written, required full sterilization of ballast water before ships could pass through local
waters. The impossibility of this task and potential damage to Great Lakes shipping initiated Fednav's involvement. Robichon explained that Fednav and other shipping representatives worked with
legislators to adopt a more workable bill. The law, passed in 2001, incorporated good ballast water management practices and covered all ships trading in the Great
Lakes. In addition, U.S. and Canadian Seaway Authorities agreed to require all ships entering the seaway to confirm that they have complied with ballast water rules.
The Michigan law has become a model for all states in the region. Robichon said Fednav's involvement did not stop there. They agreed with legislators that more needed to b e done to treat ballast water. At company expense, they agreed to install two technologies
aboard their vessel the M/V Federal Yukon. Anti-fouling technologies and chlorination tanks were installed and operated during the 2001 lakes season. Although the results have not been released
by the State of Michigan, Fednav efforts have already yielded success. Robichon pointed out that the bad perceptions of shippers by legislators have been dramatically improved. The willingness of
Fednav to combat the invasive species problem illustrates the best shipping firms will do their part in helping the environment. Recreational Activities: A Perspective on Aquatic Invasive Species Impacts
as presented by Jay Sherwin, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
Email address: jsherwin@ofah.org
Sherwin's presentation was a refreshing change to the day's venues. Instead of detailing scientific data, Sherwin described some of the opinions and perspectives of
small businesses and people affected by the invasive species problem. Sherwin made an informal survey of hunters and fishers in Ontario. He admitted that
his survey lacked scientific methods, but it provided some "on the street" reality to the theological discussions that pervade this issue.
Surprisingly enough, many of Sherwin's constituents felt the Zebra mussel problem was not a major problem, but more of a business hurdle that they had found ways to overcome.
Divers gave both positive and negative responses. Improvements in water clarity thanks to the zebra mussel made diving wrecks more attractive. Unfortunately
sharp zebra mussel edges and the necessity to disinfect after every dive added inconvenience. Duck hunters felt their hunting had improved as certain species flourished from the zebra mussels in their diet . Vacation homeowners liked the clarity of lake waters,
but were turned off by the multitude of decomposing shells on their shorelines. Anglers found fish such as Walleye were tougher to catch, while Muskeye were easier. Many people whom Sherwin spoke to did not
express the frustrations he might have expected. Recognizing that the invasive species problems were much more of a threat than
the public realized, Sherwin said his survey highlights potential marketing errors on the part of scientists. He said it is our duty as educators to present the science in a
form understandable to the public. If the public does not perceive invasive species is an issue, they will certainly not pressure their legislators to do anything about it. |
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