01105178

Monograph

http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/160050.aspx

This report reviews existing research and efforts to date to reduce aquatic invasive species introductions into the Great Lakes and identifies ways that these efforts could be strengthened toward an effective solution. Since its opening in 1959, the St. Lawrence Seaway has provided a route into the Great Lakes not only for trade, but also unfortunately for aquatic invasive species (AIS) that have had severe economic and environmental impacts on the region. Prevention measures have been introduced by the governments of Canada and the United States, but reports of newly discovered AIS continue, and only time will tell what impacts these species may have. Pressure to solve the problem has even led to proposals that the Seaway be closed. The committee that developed the report recommends that trade should continue on the St. Lawrence Seaway but with a more effective suite of prevention measures to reduce the introduction of aquatic invasive species that evolves over time in response to lessons learned and new technologies. Chapter 1 of this report provides an introduction to the report. The next chapter provides a brief historical overview of the St. Lawrence Seaway and discusses the waterway’s management, operations, and financing. Historical trends in seaway traffic are summarized, and some of the factors likely to influence the waterway’s future role within the larger Great Lakes transportation system are identified. After a brief overview of the history of AIS introductions in the Great Lakes, Chapter 3 summarizes the role of ships’ ballast water in introducing AIS and examines briefly the impacts of AIS introductions with reference to both high-profile and less studied invaders. The difficulties in interpreting historical trends in such introductions are then discussed in the context of efforts to assess the effectiveness of prevention measures. Chapter 4 identifies the categories of vessel using the seaway and discusses each briefly. The ballast water management requirements for vessels entering the GLSLS system are then summarized. Chapter 5 describes the committee’s approach to identifying and exploring options for the Great Lakes region that would meet the two project criteria. Candidate actions for meeting each criterion are examined, and ways of combining these actions to meet both criteria simultaneously are then considered. The final chapter discusses the committee’s conclusions about two alternative options for the Great Lakes region. It then describes the committee’s recommended option and the actions necessary to implement this option.

English

226p

2008

Transportation Research Board Special Report

9780309113137

Web

Appendices (4) ; Figures (1) ; Maps (2) ; References; Tables (3)

Ballast (Ships); Economic impacts; Environmental impacts; History; International trade; Prevention; Recommendations; Shipping; Tolls

Invasive species

Great Lakes; Saint Lawrence Seaway

Economics; Environment; Highways; History; Marine Transportation; Research; Security and Emergencies

TRIS, TRB

Jul 24 2008 9:25AM