8.1 Risk assessment is a logical process for objectively
assigning the likelihood and consequences of specific events. Risk
assessments can be qualitative or quantitative, and can be a valuable
decision aid if completed in a systematic and rigorous manner.
8.1.1 The following key principles define the
nature and performance of risk assessment:
-
.1
Effectiveness – That risk
assessments accurately measure the risks to the extent necessary to
achieve an appropriate level of protection.
-
.2
Transparency – That the
reasoning and evidence supporting the actions recommended by risk
assessments, and areas of uncertainty (and their possible consequences
to those recommendations), are clearly documented and made available
to decision-makers.
-
.3
Consistency – That risk
assessments achieve a uniform high level of performance, using a common
process and methodology.
-
.4
Comprehensiveness – That
the full range of values, including economic, environmental, social
and cultural, are considered when assessing risks and making recommendations.
-
.5
Risk Management – Low risk
scenarios may exist, but zero risk is not obtainable, and as such
risk should be managed by determining the acceptable level of risk
in each instance.
-
.6
Precautionary – That risk
assessments incorporate a level of precaution when making assumptions,
and making recommendations, to account for uncertainty, unreliability,
and inadequacy of information. The absence of, or uncertainty in,
any information should therefore be considered an indicator of potential
risk.
-
.7
Science based – That risk
assessments are based on the best available information that has been
collected and analysed using scientific methods.
-
.8
Continuous improvement –
Any risk model should be periodically reviewed and updated to account
for improved understanding.
8.2 The identified ballast water exchange area(s)
should be assessed in order to ensure that its designation will minimize
any threat of harm to the environment, human health, property or resources
taking into account but not limited to the following criteria:
8.2.1
Oceanographic (e.g., currents,
depths)
- Currents, upwellings or eddies should be identified and considered
in the evaluation process. Sea areas where currents disperse discharged
ballast water away from land should be selected where possible.
- Areas where tidal flushing is poor or where a tidal stream is
known to be turbid, should be avoided where possible.
- The maximum water depth available should be selected where possible.
8.2.2
Physico-chemical (e.g., salinity,
nutrients, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll ‘a')
- High nutrient areas should be avoided where possible.
8.2.3
Biological (e.g., presence
of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens, including cysts; organisms
density)
- Areas known to contain outbreaks, infestations, or populations
of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens (e.g. harmful algal blooms)
which are likely to be taken up in Ballast Water, should be identified
and avoided where possible.
8.2.4
Environmental (e.g., pollution
from human activities)
- Sea area(s) that may be impacted by pollution from human activities
(e.g., areas nearby sewage outfalls) where there may be increased
nutrients or where there may be human health issues, should be avoided
where possible.
- Sensitive aquatic areas should be avoided to the extent practicable.
8.2.5
Important resources (e.g.,
fisheries areas, aquaculture farms)
- Location of important resources, such as key fisheries areas and
aquaculture farms should be avoided.
8.2.6
Ballast water operations (e.g.,
quantities, source, frequency)
- A foreseen estimation of the quantities, sources and frequencies
of ballast water discharges from vessels that will use the designated
sea area should be considered in the assessment of such area.
8.3 An assessment of the most appropriate size
of the designated ballast water exchange area needs to take into account
the above considerations.