Mission
The
Great Ships Initiative (GSI) is a collaborative effort to end
the problem of ship-mediated invasive species in the Great Lakes-St.
Lawrence Seaway System through independent research and demonstration
of environmental technology, financial incentives and consistent
basin-wide harbor monitoring.
Goal
The overarching
goal of the GSI is to resolve the problem of ship-mediated invasive
species in the Great Lakes as quickly, effectively and economically
as possible, and in coordination/cooperation with prevailing regulatory
regimes.
Objective
The specific objective
of the GSI is to accelerate research, development and implementation
of effective ballast treatment systems for ships that visit the
Great Lakes from abroad.
Research Capabilities
To achieve its
research and development objective, the GSI has established research
capabilities
at three scales--bench, land-based, and ship-board. The GSI activates
these capabilities to provide intensive testing services to developers
of ballast treatment prospects. Meritorious systems can thereby
progress as rapidly as possible to an approval-ready and market-ready
condition. (services
& facilities)
Harbor Monitoring
The GSI will work collaboratively with federal, academic and state
entities to establish consistent and credible harbor monitoring
for newly established invasive species in harbors throughout the
Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.
Implementation
Assistance
The GSI will support early and effective implementation of ballast
treatment on ships that visit the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway
system from abroad through offering financial incentives for early
installation and technical assistance for effective operation
of treatment equipment.
© Great Ships Initiative 2010.
