Funding Agency:  Environmental Foundation of Jamaica

This project was written subsequent to the work done on the invasive green mussel Perna viridis as a response to the threat of marine invasive alien species (MIAS). It has been acknowledged that Prevention of invasions is the best option for management of MIAS. Jamaica has recently become one of the Lead Partner Countries for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) GloBallast Programme in the region. This UWI Ballast Water Project has been recognized as one of the reasons for Jamaica’s current recognition by the IMO GloBallast Programme.

The main components of the project are:

• Sampling and Analyses of Ballast Water from ships entering Discovery Bay as well as other harbours around Jamaica
• Identification of species in the ballast water, noting marine invasive species
• Public Education Programme
• Increase the level of capacity for ballast water sampling and analyses in Jamaica
• Provide technical guidance for BW legislation by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica