USA

California Marine Invasive Species Act

The current California statute relating to ballast water management sunsets on December 31, 2003. It will be replaced by the Marine Invasive Species Act. The new statute includes a number of changes from the current regime. The exemptions for crude oil tankers engaged in the coastwise trade and for passenger vessels equipped with functioning treatment systems have been replaced with complex arrangements allowing vessels operating in the Pacific Coast Region and vessels with approved treatment systems to be exempt from some of the provisions. The State Lands Commission is directed to establish performance standards for ballast water treatment systems. (9/24/03).