CLEVELAND—The U.S.-Flag Great Lakes fleet is adopting new measures to reduce the risk associated with one of several ways a fishing-killing virus could enter Lake Superior.

Although there is noevidence that vessels’ ballast water is responsible for either the introduction or the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) virus in the Great Lakes, the members of Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) will conduct ballast water exchange when possible or implement other measures when taking on ballast in areas known to be infected by the virus and the vessel is destined for Lake Superior.

Although some believe the VHS fish virus may already be in Lake Superior, as of this writing, there have been no confirmed findings of VHS or fish kills associated with it in Lake Superior. The VHS fish virus has been found in Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, as well as inland lakes in Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and the Canadian Province of Ontario.

“Lake Carriers’ Association is again taking a proactive approach to VHS,” said James H.I. Weakley, President. “Our members began implementing best management practices in 1993 to slow the spread of invasive species introduced by ocean-going vessels and other vectors.

In 2007, we were the first maritime organization on the Great Lakes to take steps to minimize the potential of vessels spreading the disease caused by the VHS virus. These new measures are concrete evidence of our ongoing commitment to the environment.”

In 2007, LCA members and other vessel operators pledged to annually inspect, and when necessary, replace screenings over ballast intakes, lighten the vessel as much as practical during cargo operations to elevate intakes before beginning ballasting, take as little ballast as possible while still ensuring the safety of the crew and vessel, and use pumps as macerators during uptake and discharge in waters experiencing an outbreak. Although VHS can survive for a short period in dead or macerated fish remains, it is most viable in a living specimen. Those measures remain in effect.

In 2008, when the Council of Lake Committees(CLC), supported by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, scientifically determines there is a VHS-related active fish kill in the immediate vicinity of ballasting vessels bound for Lake Superior, the CLC will notify the U.S. Coast Guard, who will forward the notification to U.S.-Flag Lakers, and they will implement the following steps:

1. Since fish populations are most dense near shore and then thin as the distance grows, minimize the uptake of ballast in near-shore locations.

2. When possible, vessels that took up ballast in an area with an active fish kill will conduct a ballast exchange in the deepest, warmest water prior to entering Lake Superior.

3. If circumstances do not allow for exchange prior to entering Lake Superior, an exchange in deep, remote waters of Lake Superior is to be considered.

4. Although it is unlikely a live fish or large fish particle will have entered the ballast system, an in-ship ballast exchange is to be considered if external exchange was not possible. Another possible measure is recirculating ballast within the tank. The additional maceration will further reduce the possibility of discharging live fish or larger remains.

“The government and general public must understand there are compelling reasons why we should not make ballast exchange mandatory for Lakers as it is for ocean-going vessels,” said Weakley. “Oceangoing vessels are built to different strength standards. This is not to say

Lakers are in any way deficient.

Lakers were designed for much different operating conditions. If done improperly, a vessel engaged in ballast operations risks a catastrophic structural failure, unrecoverable roll, or capsizing. Also, the dynamic and static loads endured by repeated ballast operations could lead to excessive metal fatigue and premature structural failure. We cannot endanger the lives of our crews.”

Ocean-going vessels effectively use saltwater as a biocide against freshwater organisms. This practice has been proven effective by NOAA scientists and recently became mandatory for all oceangoing vessels entering the Great Lakes. “Although the efficacy of freshwater

ballast exchange has not been studied, our members will do what they can to reduce the possibility of an uninfected, yet vulnerable fish, coming in contact with a viable VHS virus,” Weakly noted.

Weakley also stressed the need for indisputable evidence of a VHS outbreak before the Coast Guard is asked to issue its notification. “Our members are more than willing to try to help to contain the virus. However, we must recognize there will be risks and costs associated with these supplemental measures. The industries we serve – iron mining, steel production, construction, power generation…share our environmental commitment, but also face intense marketplace conditions. We must keep Great Lakes shipping as efficient as possible. The manufacturing base of North America depends on our ability to deliver raw materials.”

Lake Carriers’ Association represents 15 American corporations that operate 61 U.S.-Flag vessels

on the Great Lakes. These vessels carry the raw materials that drive the nation’s economy: iron ore for the steel industry, limestone and cement for the construction industry, coal for power generation…

Collectively these vessels can transport more than 115 million tons of cargo a year when high water levels offset the lack of adequate dredging of Great Lakes ports and waterways. More information is available at www.lcaships.com.

Contact: Glen G. Nekvasil, Vice President – Corporate Communications: (216-861-0592)

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