How can we block Invasive Aquatic Species from our country?

Automated systems certifying compliance could be submitted with bills of lading for the ship.

Force ships to be inspected for external parasites like barnacles

Develop clearer standards and regulations for All Ships, Trans Oceanic Vessels and Coastal Shipping Vessels.

This is a huge problem for ocean species and is the #2 problem at the EPA after habitat destruction

Scientists believe that most invasive aquatic organisms hitch rides to U.S. coastal waters by adhering to the hulls of commercial ships or by traveling in their ballast water.

Carefully inspect all ships hopefully before and after they sail.

Start vigorously enforcing the National Invasive Species Act (NISA) and the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA).

Develop new techniques for cleaning the Ballast Water in ships making ballast water exchange unnecessary. Because ballast water exchange can not be done while the ships loaded.

Bilge water treatment alternatives such as ozone, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, filtration, heat, chemical biocides, and deoxygenationcould be employed.