engleski

Ballast water issues in Croatia

The major part (about 74%) of Adriatic Sea coast belongs to Croatia but, because there is more import of cargo than export and the ballast water voulme dischared is low, Croatia plays only a minor role in today's ballast water situation in the Adriatic Sea. However, there is increased concern over ballast water in connection with the plans for oil pipeline integration projects in the region and oil export from port of Omišalj. Croatia currently faces ballast water issues in two respects: firstly, in relation to all of its export ports, where an examination on this matter is needed and both technical and regulatory solutions are required, and, secondly, in relation to a particular location – the port of Omišalj, which may experience an intensive and progressive tanker export traffic. Croatia is then left with three possible scenarios: 1.) no oil export, general traffic ; 2.) 5 million tonnes oil export + general traffic ; 3.) 15 million tonnes oil export + general traffic. The ballast water risk assessment is made up of several vectors: ballast water volume, quality and frequency of introduction. Ballast water volume and the number of vessels discharging ballast water will increase as a consequence of a natural growth in general vessel traffic re-corded in all Croatian ports during the last few years. Most of the vessel taffic and ballast water will remain local, from the Mediterranean and other Adriatic ports. But, if Omišalj becomes an oil export port, the ballast water volume will increase drastically. The majority of the ballast waters will arrive from completely different locations, probably from North America and North-West Europe. Huge changes in ballast water volume and origin will significantly increase the risk of introduction of nonnative species. Ballast Water Exchange is impossible in the Adriatic Sea due to depth and distance limitations. Therefore, alternate ballast water exchange zones must be considered, as well as land-based reception facilities. Croatian authorities are planning the implementation of the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, but first of all detailed monitoring programmes on exotic species in Adriatic Sea have to be conducted. Also, information regarding the potential impacts of invaders and risk assessments are needed to identify vessels from critical areas. A precautionary approach in order to prevent unwanted impacts needs to be given high priority because certain invaders may cause negative influence on coastal environments, but also on two very important sectors in Croatia - tourism and fisheries. Creation of a regional network including all countries along the Adriatic sea is needed for a mutual benefit of all involved parties and for avoiding duplication of efforts and research. Hopefully, regional efforts will result in a minimization of future species introductions and preservation of the Adriatic Sea.

ballast water; Adriatic Sea; risk assessment

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