University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Maritime Studies and Transport, Pot pomorscakov 4, SI 6320 Portoroz, Slovenia.
Ecol Appl. 2013 Mar;23(2):331-8. doi: 10.1890/12-0992.1.
The United Nations recognized the transfer of harmful organisms and pathogens across natural barriers as one of the four greatest pressures to the world's oceans and seas, causing global environmental changes, while also posing a threat to human health, property, and resources. Ballast water transferred by vessels was recognized as a prominent vector of such species and was regulated by the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship's Ballast Water and Sediments (2004). Permanent exceptions from ballast water management requirements may apply when the uptake and discharge of ballast water occur at the "same location." However, the "same location" concept may be interpreted differently, e.g., a port basin, a port, an anchorage, or a larger area even with more ports inside. Considering that the Convention is nearing the beginning of enforcement, national authorities all around the world will soon be exposed to applications for exceptions. Here we consider possible effects of different interpretations of the "same location" concept. We have considered different possible extensions of the same location through environmental, shipping, and legal aspects. The extension of such areas, and the inclusion of more ports, may compromise the Convention's main purpose. We recommend that "same location" mean the smallest practicable unit, i.e., the same harbor, mooring, or anchorage. An entire smaller port, possibly also including the anchorage, could be considered as same location. For larger ports with a gradient of environmental conditions, "same location" should mean a terminal or a port basin. We further recommend that IMO consider the preparation of a guidance document to include concepts, criteria, and processes outlining how to identify "same location," which limits should be clearly identified.
联合国承认，有害生物和病原体跨越自然屏障的转移是对世界海洋的四大压力之一，导致全球环境变化，同时也对人类健康、财产和资源构成威胁。船舶压载水的转移被认为是这些物种的主要载体，并受到《国际船舶压载水和沉积物控制和管理公约》（2004 年）的管制。当压载水的吸入和排放发生在“同一地点”时，可以免除压载水管理要求的永久例外。然而，“同一地点”的概念可能会有不同的解释，例如，港口盆地、港口、锚地或更大的区域，甚至包括更大区域内的更多港口。考虑到该公约即将开始执行，世界各地的国家当局将很快面临对例外情况的申请。在这里，我们考虑了对“同一地点”概念的不同解释可能产生的影响。我们从环境、航运和法律方面考虑了同一地点的不同可能扩展。这些区域的扩展，以及更多港口的纳入，可能会影响到该公约的主要目的。我们建议“同一地点”是指最小可行的单位，即同一港口、系泊或锚地。整个较小的港口，可能还包括锚地，都可以被视为同一地点。对于具有环境条件梯度的较大港口，“同一地点”应指一个码头或港口盆地。我们还建议国际海事组织考虑编写一份指导文件，包括确定“同一地点”的概念、标准和程序，明确规定应设定的限制。
