Ballast water is taken in by ships to provide stability, improve fuel consumption and for overall safety of the ship and its crew. However algae and other marine life are also taken up with the water and potentially transported to ports along the vessels' routes. This method of introduction of non-native marine life is internationally recognized as a threat to native ecosystems around the world.

The new administrative rules require qualifying vessels to: 1) have a ballast water management plan specifically for that vessel, 2) conduct a mid-ocean ballast water exchange or retain all ballast water on board, and 3) file a ballast water reporting form with the DLNR no later than 24 hours prior to arrival. The data obtained from the ballast water reporting forms submitted by the qualifying vessels will enable the State to make better assessments of the potential risk that an incoming vessel might contain alien species in its ballast water holds.

DLNR will be monitoring ballast water reports for submission and compliance.