engleski

BALLAST WATER THREAT IN THE NORTH ADRIATIC – APPROACHING TO RISK ASSESSMENT

The ballast water issue is still prominent among harmful aquatic organisms transfer vectors worldwide. The north Adriatic unfortunately plays an important role, too, since there are many shipping routes connecting central, southern and eastern Europe with the rest of the world. The growing trend of short sea shipping should also be considered. Although Slovenia has only 46 km of coastline, it is very active regarding the ballast water issue, especially in the field of research. Since the ballast water issue is clearly international, activities are also focused beyond regional to international levels. This paper reviews and discusses the present situation regarding the harmful impact in the north Adriatic region of the transfer of harmful organisms by the means of ballast water and related sediments. With an additional review of factors and relations, which may support a successful inoculation, it represents a framework for the risk assessment of the introduction of invasive aquatic species.

ballast water; invasive species; North Adriatic; risk assessment

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