TAMIL NADU SEEKS ₹160 CRORE FOR REMOVING INVASIVE MUSSELS NEAR KAMARAJAR PORT

Why in the news?

  • The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) has sought ₹160 crore from Kamarajar Port in Ennore to address the spread of invasive mussels, Mytella strigata.
  • The port is blamed for facilitating the spread by not regulating ballast water discharge from ships.

Invasive Mussel Issue near Kamarajar Port:

  • The Tamil Nadu WRD has requested ₹160 crore from Kamarajar Port to remove invasive Mytella strigata mussels along the coast.
  • These mussels harm marine ecosystems and disrupt fishing activities by obstructing boat movements.
  • The WRD blames the port for not properly regulating ballast water, which has led to the spread of the invasive species.
TAMIL NADU SEEKS ₹160 CRORE FOR REMOVING INVASIVE MUSSELS NEAR KAMARAJAR PORTsource:lotusarise

Understanding Ballast Water and Its Impact

  • Ballast water is taken into ships’ tanks to maintain stability when cargo is discharged, and it is released when cargo is loaded.
  • This water can carry invasive species, like the charru mussel, which disrupts local ecosystems.
  • The charru mussel, introduced via ballast water, has significantly impacted Pulicat Lake in Tamil Nadu and Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala.

Global Regulations and India’s Position

  • The IMO’s Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, effective from 2017, mandates ships to treat ballast water to prevent the spread of harmful organisms.
  • Ships with modern ballast water management systems treat the water with chemicals to neutralise biological organisms.
  • India has not signed the BWM Convention, meaning ballast water discharge at Indian ports is not regulated, potentially leading to ecological damage from invasive species.
What is the Ballast Water Management Convention?

Adoption and Enforcement:

  • Adopted by IMO in 2004 and came into force in September 2017.
  • Aims:to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms across regions through ballast water.

Regulations:

  • Establishes standards and procedures for the management and control of ships’ ballast water and sediments.
  • Requires all ships in international traffic to manage ballast water according to a management plan.

About International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and India’s Role:

India’s Participation in IMO:

  • India has consistently been part of the IMO Council, except for 1983-1984.
  • India is a party to 34 IMO Conventions and protocols.
  • Currently, India is in the advanced stages of ratifying the Ballast Water Convention and Bunker Convention.

Re-election to IMO Council:

  • India has been re-elected to the IMO Council under “Category B” during the 30th session held in London.
  • The IMO Council consists of 40 members: Category A (10 members), Category B (10 members), and Category C (20 members).
  • The Council plays a significant role in deciding key matters related to the global shipping industry.

What is Ballast Water?

  • Pumped into ships to maintain safe operating conditions during voyages.
  • Reduces stress on the hull and provides transverse stability.
  • Improves propulsion and manoeuvrability.
  • Compensates for weight changes due to varying cargo load levels and fuel/water consumption.