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Lake Carriers' Association 



U.S. Bouse of Representatives Bearing on Ballast Exchange Control Act 



Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries October 27, 1993 



Why did Lake Carriers' Association develop the Voluntary Ballast Water Management Plan. The 

 answer is found in the Association's Environmental Policy. The members of Lake Carriers' Association 

 are pledged to "include sound environmental polices, programs, and practices as an essential element in 

 every vessel's daily operation and in the overall fleet management." Lofty words indeed, but if the 

 proof is in the pudding, then our Voluntary Ballast Water Management Plan is very edible. 



A connmitment to the Environment is especially important for those who work on or along the shores of 

 the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for 25 million North Americans. 

 Sport and commercial fishing and tourism contribute billions to the U.S. and Canadian economies. We 

 who are involved in the movement of nearly 200 million tons of dry- and liquid- bulk cargo each year 

 recognize that we must share in the protection of these fresh water oceans. For that reason, when we 

 identified the problem the Ruffe represented, we responded as quickly and to the degree that current 

 knowledge and technology allowed. We did not cause the problem, but we know we must be part of the 

 solution to mitigate the problem. 



Let me briefly review the situation concerning the European River Ruffe on the Great Lakes. This fish 

 was first discovered in Duluth/Superior Harbor in 1987. Scientists believe the Ruffe was introduced by 

 a discharge of ballast water frt>m an ocean-going vessel in 1982 or 1983. 



The Ruffe is a very aggressive feeder and lacking in natural predators. As a result, it is now, just 

 6 years after its discovery and identification, the most abundant fish in the Duluth/Superior Harbor. 

 Furthermore, the Ruffe is aiigrating east along the south shore of Lake Superior at the rate of about 

 25 miles a year. 



