National Ballast Water Management Strategy 2016-2020 Cook Islands

Abstract

At this level of importance, the impacts of marine pollution are a major concern for PICs. Marine bio‐ invasions including via shipping vector such as Ballast Water and Hull Fouling is considered one of the greatest threats to the world’s oceans today. Global economic impacts are considered at billions of dollars every year. Some of these impacts include the disruption to fisheries, fouling of coastal industry and infrastructure and interference with human amenity. This National Ballast Water Management Strategy for Cook Islands has been developed in accordance with the GloBallast Guidelines, and was developed primarily during a National Consultation Workshop held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands on 18‐19 February 2016.