Ballast Water Management in Abu Dhabi - Research Paper Example

? Multiple Essay Questions Marine Environment: Ballast Water Management in Abu Dhabi Introduction The United Arab Emirates has massive territorial seas comprising of approximately 37,000 square kilometers. In addition, the UAE has an enormous coastline, which covers at least 2,390 kilometers bordering the mainland and islands located in the southern Arabian Gulf. Substantial quantities of varieties of habitats are found within the coastal and marine environment of Abu Dhabi. These habitats include among others coral reefs, sea grass beds, tidal inlets, mangrove stands, coral reefs, beaches and islands. These natural habitats not only maintain biodiversity, but they also offer tradable goods and services to the communities through biological productivity, as well as recreational use (Aljenaid, et al., 2008). These habitats also offer protection against hazardous, coastal erosion. Moreover, the coastal and marine environments also form the source of cultural and natural heritage for the indigenous population residing near the coast of Abu Dhabi. Ballast water has immeasurable impact on the marine environment in Abu Dhabi thus necessitating intensive management. Ballast water refers to water, either fresh or salt water that is taken into cargo holds and tanks of ships to enhance vessel stability, as well as maneuverability in the course of transit. This paper will examine the management of ballast water in Abu Dhabi. Without proper management, ballast water is detrimental to marine and coastal environments (Carlton, 1995). Current Situation Assessment- Laws, Regulations and Incidents Within the marine environment, invasive species are some of the most significant threats since they cause massive damages on the biodiversity. The induction of foreign species in the Abu Dhabi marine environment is becoming increasingly frequent, especially because of the global extent of human movement and international trade. The effects of such foreign species are numerous and encompass economic, social, ecological and social effects. While the effects of most invasions are unexplored, it is undisputable that biological invasions continue to be substantial forces of ecological change and human health and economic impacts on a global level. The clear increase in the rates of invasion coupled with the detrimental effects has enhanced public and scientific anxiety in the last few decades. Within marine ecosystems, the chief source of incursion is ballast water, which transports between 3,000 and 4,000 species across the globe on a daily basis (Carlton, 1995). Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE depend on international shipping for a large proportion of its trade and experiences high levels of ship traffic on a daily basis. Because thousands of cargo ships and oil tankers use the Gulf, the opportunity for invasion of exotic species via ballast water is monstrous. There is a greater incident of high quantities of harmful algae in regions with high shipping traffic. This argument is based on investigations conducted by the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi on detrimental Algal blooms within the waters of Abu Dhabi (Aljenaid, et al., 2008). Detailed investigations are critical for any effort to control the spread by ballast water of exotic marine species. However, such information is missing for all UAE waters, particularly the ports. However, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi recently initiated a baseline study on invasive species research initiative with the view to limit the introduction of foreign species via ballast water and manage current numbers of aquatic, invasive species (Loughland & Saji, 2008). Such information is vital in the establishment of marine invasive species management initiatives, which are key aspects of domestic ballast water management systems. Ballast water from shipping traffic has the capacity to transfer an array of microalgae species encompassing toxic species (Aljenaid, et al., 2008). There are several reported incidents of exotic species invasions. These incidents further exemplify the problem of exotic invasions in Abu Dhabi and include massive patches of brownish-red water seen in UAE waters. The bloom killed millions of fish and caused extensive coral die-offs. In addition, Abu Dhabi has experienced incidents of reddish water along its coastline, which is harmful to human beings. Scientists continue to grapple with the causes of such blooms, but the main identifiable cause is ballast water. Since 1971, at least 10 federal laws, as well as 20 emir decrees regarding the coastal and marine environment have been established, in the UAE. However, despite the magnitude of these regulations, none of them provides a holistic structure for the comprehensive planning and management of marine and coastal zones. The main legal instruments of the UAE that protect the marine and coastal environment include Federal Law no.23 of 1999 that governs the protection, exploitation and development of the coastal and marine environment. Federal Law no. 24, 1999 speaks to the management of pollution, safety of the environment and conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity. Gap Analysis Gap analysis refers to a tool that aids the comparison of tangible performance and prospective performance. The core of gap analysis involves two questions, i.e. “where are we?” and “where should we be?” In this regard, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi directive regarding its management of ballast water to deter the introduction of invasive, exotic species. Water quality is vital for the health of Abu Dhabi’s marine and coastal environment, as well as the wellbeing of the nation’s population whose source of water is desalination of sea water. With the advent of exotic microalgae invasions, the outlook of desalination in Abu Dhabi is rather grim. Recognizing the detriments of marine pollution, the Abu Dhabi government initiated water quality standards in accordance with Number 24 of the Federal Law that speaks of protection and management of the environment. Furthermore, the government set up water quality monitoring programs (Loughland & Saji, 2008). However, the problem of invasion of exotic species persists and is largely abated by the gaps within existing regulations, as well as the lack of sufficient monitoring amenities at the regulatory level. This is because ballast water from shipping vessels carries toxic microalgae from across the globe causing massive water contamination, which makes water desalination a daunting task. On the other hand, the situation of Abu Dhabi’s marine and coastal environments is a far cry from what the federal government has in mind. As it stands, there is a serious problem with reference to the examination and management of coastal and marine environments in the UAE that consist of seven Emirates. This is because when the UAE was formed as a state in the year 1971, various federal institutions were given various powers and responsibilities. In addition, local governmental organizations in individual Emirates received key mandates. The problem with this setting lies in the fact that numerous responsibilities of the federal government and local institutions overlap. These responsibilities especially relate to coastal and marine resources creating considerable confusion with regard to the functions of the government and local institutions. The ideal scenario entails the identification of the functions and responsibilities of the federal government and local institutions, especially with regard to dealing with marine invasion by microalgae carried in ballast water (Anderson, 2007). The federal government of the UAE envisions the Abu Dhabi coastal and marine environment having clear strategies for the monitoring of ballast water management. This is within the waters marked under the jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi. In addition, with regard to ballast water management, Abu Dhabi should establish clearly marked regions within its jurisdiction where water vessels should not uptake ballast water and indicate alternative locations where the uptake of ballast water is permissible. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi should also establish efficient national strategies for the management of all substantial sources of marine pollution. These include among others sources, such as shipping vessels that supply exotic microalgae to the coast of Abu Dhabi. There should also be a clear definition of pollution with regard to the country’s marine environment. Currently, the nation does not have definitive definitions for marine pollution since most of the available literature regards marine pollution as emanating from non-point sources such as runoff from urban regions (Anderson, 2007). Abu Dhabi should also initiate necessary measures to deal with marine pollution, especially that ensuing from the introduction of exotic species. The ideal situation in Abu Dhabi should also entail complete review of the current rules and regulations regarding marine protection, i.e. law 23/1999 to ensure the implementation of regulations in coordination with the marine police and coast guard. The Emirate should establish appropriate laws to administer a robust penalty regime for ballast water management. Capability of the Emirate Considering the international and domestic shipping traffic that uses the Abu Dhabi coastline transferring thousands of ballast water on a daily basis, it is pertinent that the country establishes robust measures to mitigate the detrimental effects of ballast water. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has considerable capability to deal with ballast water. For instance, the Emirate has the capacity to adopt a number of preventative measures to maintain the quality of its coastal and marine environments. Perhaps the best development to counter the detriments of ballast water is the new remote sensors, as well as software applications available that transform remote sensing into an immensely powerful tool for monitoring marine water quality (Loughland, R. A., & Saji, B, 2008). This is particularly with regard to early discovery of exotic, invasive microorganisms that are harmful to human health. In the year 2011, the department of transportation, EAD and the Ministry of Environment signed a memorandum of understanding to keep an eye on Abu Dhabi’s conformity with international rules and regulations supporting the preservation and protection Abu Dhabi’s coastal and marine environment. The memorandum also entails a strategy to ensure the adoption of a robust ballast water management approach. This remains a top priority for Abu Dhabi and countries, which are part and parcel of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Maritime Environment Sea Area. Since 2002, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi has been carrying out intensive monitoring for toxic algae on the nation’s coastal waters. The main objectives of this initiative include qualitative and quantitative approximation of phytoplankton, encompassing harmful algae, spatial, as well as temporal variation of bloom developing species, the determination of the biological and physical factors that cause algae blooms in the waters of Abu Dhabi, distribution and quantity of phytoplankton (Al Qubaisi, 2006). This research information aims at increasing Abu Dhabi’s capacity of prediction, the development of mitigation and management procedures to counter harmful algal blooms on Abu Dhabi. The information also seeks to support the establishment of a UAE-wide action plan for harmful algal blooms. This information continues to help Abu Dhabi deal with the detriments associated with harmful algal blooms such as tourism impairment, loss of natural, as well as cultured seafood resources, damage to non-commercial marine wildlife and resources and substantive health problems such as paralytic shellfish poisoning, ciguatera fish poisoning and amnesic shellfish poisoning. In addition, Abu Dhabi has also established a technology that tests and cleans ballast water in ships using the country’s shores. This is part of the country’s contingency tools to deter the damage of detrimental algae blooms. This technology was recently introduced to Abu Dhabi. This occurred as the east of the UAE was recovering from maybe the worst attack of the red tide or red algae in the nation’s entire history. The method was developed in Japan and introduced to the representatives of the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. The EAD spent approximately Dh8 million to establish the purification system used on ships to other land based devices (Aljenaid, et al., 2008). The director of biodiversity sector noted that this method was a potential answer to Abu Dhabi’s continued struggle with invasions of exotic microorganisms. Abu Dhabi hopes that, in the event of another bloom of a great magnitude, it needs to protect its desalination plants since the nation depends on these plants for approximately 90% of its entire domestic supply of clean drinking water. The Abu Dhabi Water Resources Master Plan noted that the invasion of red tide in Abu Dhabi caused losses of nearly US $100,000 on a daily basis. This loss was in regards to the water desalination industry. While international regulations demand that ships treat ballast water prior to discharging it into the sea at the culmination of the voyage, Abu Dhabi’s implementation of these requirements is rather insufficient (Al Qubaisi, 2006). However, the country has immense opportunities to ensure that ships treat their water to deter the spread of marine-based hazardous microorganisms in the waters of Abu Dhabi. System to Document the Ballast Water Spills and Discharges Ballast water that enters a tank from one water body and discharges in another water body can introduce invasive species. The discharge of water from ballast tanks in ships is responsible for introducing species that set off economic and environmental damage (Elshorbagy, 2005). In 2004, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments sought to deal with ballast water discharge through the regulation of charge and discharge of ballast water. These regulations require that all vessels change their ballast water whenever they sail in international high seas. This exchange must only be done in depths of more than 2,000 meters, during day time and far away from the littoral. The issuance of permits to regulate the documentation of ballast water discharges and spills is critical in Abu Dhabi, especially considering that the country’s regulation of discharge is insufficient. The UAE can establish certification procedures that entail strict requirements to ensure ship discharges comply with the federal government, as well as regional regulation on ballast water management. The region should provide all ships with ballast water management plans that demand effective and safe ballast water management. This entails the provision of ballast water reporting forms requiring ships to provide a log of when and where they charge and discharge ballast water. This reporting provides strict ballast water exchange standards requiring that ships exchange at least 95% of their entire volume of their ballast water. The reporting measures also ensure that vessels release at least thrice the volume of all their ballast tanks. In addition, this reporting protocol entails proper documentation to guarantee that ballast water discharges have less than 10 VO per every cubic meter or more than or equal to 50µm in minimum dimensions. In essence, this means that the discharge does not exceed the required concentrations of microbes such as Escherichia coli, Enterococci and V. cholera (Anderson, 2007). These documentation standards are in complete adherence with the international responses to ballast water management protocols. In essence, all ships must register all their charges and discharges. How to create an in shore Ballast water management  While the country, as well as the international community, continues to advocate the management of ballast water, it is undisputable that such management can be difficult in high seas. Therefore, in order to avoid mechanical stress issues and stability issues, Abu Dhabi should have several options for the replacement of ballast water in ships including entirely emptying ballast tanks and refilling them. In addition, such replacement involves filling the tanks by allowing overflow to surge through air outflow through which three times the ballast tanks’ volume capacity can be exchanged (Elshorbagy, 2005). The creation of a system for ballast water management in Abu Dhabi’s, in shore region, is critical. This can be done by introducing mechanical and chemical treatments of ballast water discharges from ships at the ports. Ports offer significant potential for treatment of discharge water to deter microorganism invasions. In addition, in shore ballast water management entails the creation of robust regulations and monitoring to ensure adherence to protocols established under law. Recommendations While the problem of red tide is not unique to the UAE since exotic, invasive organisms have also affected the Arabian Gulf Region, it is critical for Abu Dhabi and the entire UAE implement a series of initiatives to ensure water ballast management. The first recommendation is the establishment of a government level plan to prevent and counter the problem of increasing toxicity of ballast water discharge (Todorova, 2010). Secondly, it is imperative that the country reviews its current legislation on protection of marine and coastal environment since the current legislation has substantial omissions. These omissions include insufficient mandating, as well as a definition of responsibilities and insufficiently stated penalties. Moreover, other omissions include underemphasize of indemnity and liability against damage to coastal and marine environment. Moreover, lack of specific regulations for coastal regions is detrimental. As earlier noted, the Emirate should establish appropriate laws to administer a robust penalty regime for ballast water management. Thirdly, there is a need to establish satisfactory supervision and surveillance procedures for timely detection of invasive microorganisms. Furthermore, the Emirate should establish management initiatives in ports. Abu Dhabi should also spearhead the establishment of a regional action plan for the management of water ballast. This will enhance quick adoption of new international instruments of ballast water management. The development of cooperative activities with neighboring regions that have a high propensity to spread hazardous species to the Emirate is critical. References Aljenaid, S., et al. (2008). Coastal areas and marine environment. In environment outlook for the Arab region (EOAR). Abu Dhabi: United Nations Environment Program. Al Qubaisi, B. S. (2006). A study of factors influencing the occurrence of algae bloom (HAB) along the Abu Dhabi Coast, UAE. Abu Dhabi: Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi. Anderson, D. M. (2007). The ecology and oceanography of harmful algal blooms: Multidisciplinary approaches to research and management. Cajman: UNESCO. Carlton, J. T. (1995). “Transoceanic and inter-oceanic dispersal of coastal marine organisms: The biology of ballast water”. Oceanography Marine Biology 23: 313-337. Elshorbagy, W. (2005). Overview of marine pollution in the Arabian Gulf with emphasis on pollutant transport modeling. Al Ain: United Arab Emirates University. Loughland, R. A., & Saji, B. (2008). “Remote sensing: A tool for managing marine pollution in the Gulf.” In A. H. Abuzinada, H.-J. Barth, F. Krupp, B. Boer, & T. Z. Al Abdessalaam, Ed. Protecting the Gulf’s marine ecosystems from pollution. Verlag: Birkhauser Basel. Todorova, V. (2010). “Technology used to fight UAE's red tide”. The National. 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