Tomorrow, the 5th of June is World Environment Day. The theme of the day is ‘Reimagine. Recreate. Restore.’ And, on the 8th of June, is World Ocean Day with the theme of ‘Live and Livelihoods sheds light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is our life source, supporting humanity and every other organism on Earth.’
This year marks the beginning of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, with the goal of preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide.
Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet – and its people. That’s why our Ballast Water System servicing is so important, to make sure that no alien marine life is carried from one area and injected into another with the release of contaminated ballast water.
To stabilize ships at sea, onboard ballast tanks are filled with water. The mass of the water weighs the vessel down, lowering its centre of gravity. Ballast water is typically ocean water, taken on board before or during a voyage. And this is where the ecological challenge comes in – with the problem of bio-invasion. Depending on where in the ocean the ballast water is collected, it almost certainly contains a myriad of water-borne microbes and pathogens as well as thousands of other tiny marine creatures of various species. When these inhabitants of the ocean are removed from their natural surroundings through seawater being pumped into a vessel, chances are that they will be released into a different part of the ocean when the ballast water is emptied into the sea.
When these diverse sea inhabitants are introduced into foreign oceans, where they might not have any natural predators to keep their numbers in check, the natural state of the ecology is upset. Invasive aliens, as these non-native species are called, can quickly cause significant ecological destruction. Biodiversity is thrown out of balance.
Our sample tests ensure that water carried in ballast is correctly treated before release so that it poses no risk for bio-invasion when introduced into foreign oceans.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part. We, at MR Marine Group, are committed to playing our part.
Together We Can Be #Generationrestoration
