Pacific states warned of invasive organisms

[Stacey King]

FIJI TIME ONLINE
Thursday, March 12, 2009

Captain Chris Marshall of the Fiji Ports Corporation

THERE is a need for Fiji and Pacific island countries to be wary of dangerous species that threaten coasts and lagoons.

There is also a need for countries to ratify the International Convention for Ballast Water Management.

Only two regional countries have ratified the convention –– Tuvalu and Kiribati.

Officials from 30 countries are attending a training workshop on the issue of the management of ships' ballast water.

Captain Chris Marshall of the Fiji Ports Corporation said the easy part was establishing a process to ensure no invasive species was transferred through ballast water.

"The hardest part is the monitoring and enforcement of the process to manage the problem regionally," said Captain Marshall.

"There should be compliance by domestic and international ships."

The workshop will enable participants to be aware of the issue and develop ideas in their home country to protect marine life.