Ban Ocean Freighters?
A conservation group wants to ban ocean freighters from the Great Lakes, to help put a stop to the onslaught of invasive species. Great Lakes United says shutting the St. Lawrence Seaway to seafaring ships would be similar to closing a small factory that pollutes a town with its oversized smokestack.
The freighters bring in invasive species that ravage native fisheries and ruin beaches. GLU wants to ban ocean-going ships from the lakes until they are equipped with sterilization systems for their ballast tanks.
Invasive species often come into the Great Lakes in water in the tanks. Michigan has already passed legislation limiting the discharge of contaminated water from ships. The DNR in Wisconsin is looking at similar legislation.
April 23, 2007 10:24 AM | Category: Great Lakes, Invasive Species