Regulation: IMO Resolution A-868(20), 1997, Voluntary ballast exchange

This resolution stresses a voluntary ballast water exchange for all ships last traveling from international ports. Under the assumption that all international traveling ships exchanged their ballast water in the open ocean before arriving in port, the likelihood of any mitten crab larvae surviving in these higher salinity waters is not probable. However, this international regulation does not take into account ships traveling to various ports within a nation, where waters may already be infested with the mitten crab.

created 5/4/98