Windsor, ON – Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra today announced $12.5 million in funding to launch the Ballast Water Innovation Program as part of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan.
The program, which is a central component of the Government of Canada’s efforts to advance the implementation and enforcement of the 2021 Ballast Water Regulations, will play an important role in further reducing the spread of aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region by investing in innovative solutions to ballast water management.
Evidence shows that ballast water management systems are an effective solution in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region. However, technical challenges caused by unique water conditions, such as cooler temperatures and heavy sedimentation rates, can pose a challenge to ballast water management systems in the region. To address these challenges and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, this program will:
- Fund research projects that ensure ballast water management systems are optimized for unique water environments in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region;
- Provide innovative solutions to ensure the successful implementation of the new ballast water regulations and prevent the entry and spread of invasive aquatic species in the region;
- Enable the Government of Canada to deepen its technical expertise relating to ballast water management system issues; and
- Inform Canada’s discussions with the U.S. and other countries towards more compatible rules and increased environmental protections.
Transport Canada is now accepting applications for research funding from Canadian vessel owners and operators, Canadian Port Authorities, not-for-profit organizations, public sector organizations, and academia until May 10, 2023. Approved projects are expected to begin in 2023.
(Dreamstime photo of Windsor waterfront)
