The mitten crab, which can carry a lung fluke harmful to humans, has exploded in the course of a few years from a handful to hundreds of thousands. The crabs are burrowing holes into San Joaquin Delta levees and clogging the plumbing of the California State Water Project. Scientists have known for some time that ballast water is a primary means of transport for aquatic nuisance species, but fixing the problem won't be easy, according to Cassell. No one group is going to have the solution. It's going to take the combined efforts of the maritime industry working in collaboration with the ports, federal and state regulators, environmental groups and academic researchers to find solutions.
Environmental interests are also supportive of the conference.
We all have something to learn about ballast water and new ways to address the problem. We need to address it nowbecause invasive species are costing us a bundle. Levin's association, which represents vessel owners, operators and agents, initiated the conference, the first of its kind on the West Coast. Other sponsors include the Center for Marine Conservation, the California Association of Port Authorities, the California State Lands Commission, California Sea Grant and the California Maritime Academy. Advance registration is required.