Alaska and Hawaii

Alaska
Alaska does not have a formal program for the management of aquatic nuisance species in ballast water discharges. It relies on the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce national standards. The only Alaskan laws that deal with specifically with ballast water discharges refer only to ballast water which contains chemical contaminants or sewage organisms. Alaska does have laws that regulate movement of biological organisms into and around the state but the role ballast water discharge plays in importing into and moving organisms around the state has not been addressed.

Download a synopsis of applicable Alaska statutes and regulations pertinent to authorities for invasive species in ballast water.

Contact Tammy Davis (907-465-6183), AK Dep. of Fish and Game, with any questions.

Hawaii
On October 12, 2007, new rules were adopted to manage ballast water discharge from vessels operating in Hawaiian waters. The rules require vessels that carry ballast water to:

Follow the state administrative rules for ballast water;
Have a ballast water management plan specifically for that vessel;
File a ballast water reporting form with DLNR no later than 24 hours prior to arrival. The Ballast Water Reporting Form, developed by the US Coast Guard, can be downloaded from the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse. The form must be completed and submitted to the department no later than 24 hours prior to vessel arrival into state marine waters. Forms can be emailed to dlnr.ar.ballast.report@hawaii.gov or faxed to 808-587-0115.

For more information, visit the Hawaii DLNR Ballast Water Page.

Hawaii also has an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Management Plan.

Contact Jason Leonard (808-587-2275), Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, for more information about the status of regulations pertaining to AIS and ballast water in Hawaii.