The BalastIN project aims to protect the Adriatic Sea from the spread of invasive, alien and potentially hazardous organisms carried in ship ballast water. The survival and spread of alien species are favored by global changes, increasing the risk to biodiversity, human health and economic activities such as tourism, fisheries and mariculture. The project aims to develop an effective ballast water management system to shape the introduction and spread of harmful species and reduce the vulnerability of coastal areas. The project activities include sampling and biological analysis of ballast water in the ports of Raša, Rijeka and Ploče, modeling of sea currents, analysis of the origin of ballast water and the establishment of a virtual laboratory for education and research, and protocols for monitoring and management of ballast water will be developed, identification of the organisms present and assessment of their harmfulness, and analysis of the risk of their spread. An interdisciplinary project team, consisting of experts from the fields of ecology, oceanography, microbiology and maritime affairs, ensures a comprehensive approach to the problem. Special emphasis is placed on educating stakeholders and the public through workshops and public events to raise awareness of the consequences of climate change impacts and the importance of preserving the marine environment. The results of the BalastIN project will contribute to the long-term protection of marine ecosystems, the preservation of biodiversity, and the safer and more sustainable development of coastal communities.

PARTNERS:

Faculty of Medicine, Rijeka

Faculty of Civil Engineering, Zagreb

Ruđer Bošković Institute, Center for Marine Research

University of Dubrovnik

Istria County

Primorje- Gorski Kotar County

Dubrovnik- Neretva County