Birgit Quack

A new threat to the stratospheric ozone layer is expected from oceanic halocarbons produced by the oxidative treatment of ship ballast water. Given the anticipated drastic increase of such technologies as a consequence of the upcoming IMO Ballast Water Management Convention, a risk assessment is needed for the governance of anthropogenic activities in the ocean. We propose on-board testing of ballast water in order to quantify the amount of halocarbons produced by the oxidative treatment. These measurements will constitute the first essential step of a ballast water risk assessment at the interface of environmental research, shipping industry and stakeholders.