Rio, 8/1/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The problem of water used as ballast by ships is a controversial subject that nations around the world have not been able to resolve. The water is taken on for balance, gets dirty and is discharged later, frequently causing pollution. Two solutions have been proposed: chemical treatment of the water so it can be discharged in port; or discharge on the high seas.

According to the director of National Water Transportation (Antaq), Carlos Alberto Wanderley Nóbrega, there are two problems with chemical treatment. First, there is no insurance that the water is really completely clean; second, the process is expensive. Thus, Brazil's position on the issue has been in favor of high sea discharges, explains Nóbrega.

At the moment, Brazilian ports must have enviroment licenses and follow Petroleum Agency norms. Antaq oversees port operations.

Ballast water has been found to be responsible for migration of marine life that can impact ecological systems. An example of this is the African crab that came to Brazil via Argentina. It has thrived because it has no natural predator, clogging up tubes and pipes at hydroelectric power plants. (AB)