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Abstract:
Laws designed to reduce the number of introductions of aquatic nuisance species into U.S. waters require ships from outside the Exclusive Economic Zone to conduct mid-ocean ballast water exchanges (BWE) before entering the Great Lakes and upper Hudson River. The National Invasive Species Act of 1996 requests ships entering any U.S. waters to conduct BWE. Because of low voluntary compliance, the U. S. Coast Guard recommended to Congress that BWE become mandatory in all waters. When BWE becomes mandatory, the Coast Guard must have means to verify whether BWE occurred. Early research identified several potential characteristics of open ocean and coastal waters that might be used in verification. The Coast Guard sought standardized sampling and handling protocols such that multiple researchers could pursue this issue and have compatible results. This report provides protocols for sampling and handling colored, dissolved organic matter, trace metals, and radium. It gives an overview of the parameters, discusses sampling apparatus and specifications, provides detailed protocols, and explains sample storage prior to shipment. It addresses contamination, representative samples, obtaining blanks, sampling over-the-side, and standardization. Information obtained using these protocols will allow better characterization of open ocean and coastal water, and will enhance the Coast Guard's ability to verify BWE.
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Final rept. |
| Pages: |
47 |
| Report Date: |
SEP 2003 |
| Contract Number: |
DTCG32-02-C-R00005 |
| Report Number: |
A127814 |
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