Malaysia and the BWM Convention: An Analysis

The introduction of alien species through ballast water discharge has raised considerable interest and concern among the international community. Marine bio-invasion through ballast water has been dubbed one of the greatest threats to the world’s oceans. The development of faster and larger ships, with rapidly increasing world trade, has reduced the natural barriers to the dispersal of species around the world; leading to serious ecological, economical and human health repercussions. Recognising this problem, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships ’ Ballast Water and Sediments 2004, a new international convention to prevent the potentially devastating effects of the spread of harmful aquatic organisms carried by ships' ballast water.