Summary
This paper dwells upon the impact of water transportation industry on the underwater wildlife. It is possible to note that emissions and the use of ballast water can be seen as serious issues that pose hazards to maritime animals. There are numerous ways to address the issue. In the first place, it is important to use advance technology (hydraulics to decrease emissions). Secondly, it is essential to develop proper system of risk ranking as well as measures to diminish hazards of invasions. It is also necessary to develop a holistic strategy that could include both issues and could be applicable globally.
Problem
Water transportation industry is one of the most developed industries globally. It accounts for about 80% of all commercial cargo shipments (Ibrahim & El-naggar, 2012). Clearly, this is one of the most important ways to deliver goods, as it is comparatively quick and inexpensive (when compared to air transportation). At the same time, the industry poses numerous hazards to the wildlife. Such issues as oil spills, emissions, and ballast water usage are most common and most serious environmental concerns.
Signification of the Problem
The transportation industry accounts for 23% of all emissions and it is clear that lion share of these emissions is produced by water transportation (Ribeiro et al., 2007). The vast majority of vessels use diesel fuel, which has a significant negative effect on underwater wildlife. It is noteworthy that older vessels (used for more than 30-40 years) are not utilized but are used in developing countries, which leads to additional emissions into air and water (Imura, 2013). Numerous species are dying out or have to migrate in search for more favorable conditions.
Apart from that, the use of ballast water also poses certain threats. The usage of ballast water is important for vessel’s proper functioning and the crew’s safety (Hassan, 2010). However, the water is taken from the sea (ocean) with different species. The species are brought to new areas and it increases the risks of future invasions (Keller, Drake, Drew & Lodge, 2011). The invasions may result in the competition between old and new species for food and space, preying on the old species, the change of habitat as well as alternation of the environmental conditions. Keller et al. (2011, p. 94) note that the nature of “invasions form the shipping is poorly understood” and, hence, it is difficult to predict exact consequences for the environment.
It is necessary to add that there are certain regulations concerning emissions, pollution as well as the use of ballast water. However, the pollution of the oceans and the number of endangered species suggests that the regulations are far from being effective. One of the most serious issues is the lack of a holistic approach and global perspectives. Many countries have specific laws and regulations but many of them are inefficient. There is a need in development of an effective global strategy that will address the issue.
Development of Alternate Action
Researchers have developed numerous strategies to address the issue. One of these possible solutions is reduction of emissions in new vessels by 5-30% and in old ships by 4-20% (Ribeiro et al., 2007). This reduction can be achieved with the help of new energy-saving technologies (hydrodynamics). It has been estimated that the short-term potential “of operational measures at 1-40%” but the figures differ due to differences in ship utilization terms (Ribeiro et al., 2007, p. 356). As far as long-term reduction potential is concerned, Ribeiro et al. (2007) note that it can reach 28.2% by 2020. Researchers also state that there is a very simple
Another possible solution is associated with the use of ballast water. Keller et al. (2011) note that adequate ranking system is essential to measure risks of invasions. The researchers have developed a particular measurement system that ranks possible risks and the system may be used in ports worldwide. Clearly, this ranking system can be the first step in dealing with the problem.
Recommendations
One of the most important issues to address is development of a holistic approach that could be used globally. All countries have to participate in development and implementation of regulations. Such international organizations as WTO in cooperation with environmentalist organizations and governments of countries have to play essential role in the process of regulations implementation. Thus, it is essential to start the process of upgrading vessels and using advanced technology to minimize emissions. It is also important to introduce speed limits as the speed needs more fuels and results in more emissions (Hassan, 2010).
The measurement system ranking risks of invasions has to be used in all major (and in the course of time) in all ports of the world. It is also important to reinforce regulations concerning the use of ballast water to make sure that all vessels comply with the rules. These steps can significantly improve the situation and address the issues concerning pollution of the ocean and the change of the habitat.
Reference List
Hassan, K. (2010). RW12: Pollution of marine environment in Bangladesh by shipping and the preventive methods. Web.
Ibrahim, A.M., & El-naggar, M.M.A. (2012). Ballast water review: Impacts, treatments and management. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 12(7), 976-984.
Imura, H. (2013). Environmental issues in China today: A view from Japan. New York, NY: Springer Science & Business Media.
Keller, R.P., Drake, J.M., Drew, M.B., & Lodge, D.M. (2011). Linking environmental conditions and ship movements to estimate invasive species transport across the global shipping network. Diversity and Distributions, 17(1), 93-102.
Ribeiro, S.K., Kobayashi, S., Beuthe, M., Gasca, J., Greene, D., Lee, D.S., … Zhou, P.J. (2007). Transport and its infrastructure. Web.