Center’s aim to protect Chesapeake Bay from invasive species

CenterÆs aim to protect Chesapeake Bay from invasive species The Maritime Environmental Resource Center, a new environmental research and testing project, seeks to prevent the spread of economically and environmentally damaging invasive aquatic species into the Chesapeake Bay and other U.S. bodies of water.
   There are more than 150 invasive species in the Chesapeake Bay, most of which are believed to have been introduced by ships' ballast water.
   MERC's primary focus will be testing the effectiveness of systems designed to safely treat ballast water before it is discharged from ships. Testing will be performed aboard the Cape Washington, a working cargo ship provided by the Maritime Administration.
   “The work being done by MERC will be critical to protecting the marine environment both here in the Bay and throughout the entire U.S.,” said Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, D-Md., Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard. He joined with officials from the MarAd, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Port Administration, and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to announce the kick-off of the center.
   MERC “will enable us to better protect the Chesapeake Bay from invasive species by validating treatment systems designed to minimize and if possible, eliminate the threat of invasive species from ballast water,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “A mobile ballast water testing system will provide maritime vessels with the means to effectively meet existing and future ballast water criteria and regulations.”