New Tools for Responsible Shipping in the Great Lakes: Using Financial Responsibility Policies to Prevent Ballast-Borne Biological Pollution

This white paper identifying financial responsibility tools that could be used to protect the Great Lakes economy and environment from biological pollution introduced in ballast water. The white paper introduces the legal framework governing ballast water discharge, discusses liability for discharge of untreated ballast water, and illustrates how financial responsibility mechanisms can be applied to address the potential liabilities and environmental damage arising from ballast water discharge. The paper is designed to stimulate discussion of the proper role for economic incentives in the ballast water discharge regulations currently being developed by the Great Lakes states.