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water is a major international problem that can be expected to 

 worsen, and a satisfactory long term solution to the problem is 

 needed. We especially recognize how important a solution to this 

 problem is to the Great Lakes. 



The Maritime Administration supports the goals of this 

 legislation, including further study and demonstration. This 

 effort could be considered by the International Maritime 

 Organization and Coast Guard for future management of the 

 discharge of ballast water containing harmful aquatic organisms. 

 In an effort to assist the Coast Guard in carrying out the 



requirements of H.R. , we believe that concerned federal 



agencies should co-sponsor an assessment of various technologies 

 available or under development for the control and treatment of 

 harmful aquatic organisms in ballast water. This assessment ■ 

 could be followed by a demonstration project of one or more of 

 the promising technologies, as required by the bill. 



In order to make the best use of limited research and development 

 funds, MARAD currently conducts small scale research programs in 

 a number of broad program areas, in cooperation with other 

 Federal agencies and private industry. For example, the Maritime 

 Operational Safety Program works for advanced vessel navigation 

 and communication systems, operational procedures, and 

 maintenance policies that enhance maritime safety. Projects 

 under this program are selected jointly with the National 



