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
shipboard scales. The GSI activates these capabilities to provide
intensive testing services to developers of ballast treatment
prospects suitable to Seaway-sized vessels. 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.