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Jeremy Bishop
CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION • MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION

The Program

The Marine Invasive Species Program (MISP) seeks to be a world-leading program that
reduces the risk of aquatic nonindigenous species introduction into California’s waters.

The program strives to accomplish this goal through:

• The development, implementation, and enforcement of innovative vessel

biofouling and ballast water management policies.

• The use of best available technology and peer reviewed science.

• Partnerships with stakeholders to improve awareness of invasive species issues and

assess program efficacy.

The Marine Invasive Species Program at work

Photos courtesy of California State

Lands Commission

Marine Invasive Species Program History

The MISP began in 1999 with the passage of California’s Ballast Water Management for
Control of Nonindigenous Species Act, which addressed the threat of species introduc-
tions from vessels arriving at California ports. In 2003, the Marine Invasive Species Act was
passed, reauthorizing and expanding the 1999 Act. Subsequent amendments to the Act
and additional legislation further expanded the Program’s scope.

For more information, please visit the

MISP webpages at the California State Lands Commission website:
slc.ca.gov/MISP/
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Updated 8.20.2019
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Bishop Bishop
JeremyJeremy
CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION • MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DIVISION

Vessel Vectors of Nonindigenous Species

What are Nonindigenous Species (NIS)?
NIS are organisms that are intentionally or unintentionally trans-
ported through human activities to new habitats such as Cal-
ifornia’s marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. NIS
threaten human health, the economy, and the environment. A
NIS is considered an invasive species once it is moved, becomes
established in a new geographic location, and causes impacts.
Photo courtesy of David Britton, USFWS

In coastal aquatic habitats, vessel ballast water and biofouling

are two of the most significant NIS vectors. Prevention of species
introductions through vector management is considered the
most effective way to address invasive species because, once
established, attempts to eradicate invasive species are often
unsuccessful and costly.

Photo courtesy of California State Lands Commission

loading Cargo hold

Ballast Water: As vessels move throughout cargo full
the world, they can discharge ballast water
Discharging ballast water Ballast tanks empty
and introduce NIS. It is estimated that un-
managed ballast water moves more than
7,000 species around the world on a daily
basis, with a single vessel ballast water dis-
discharging Cargo hold
charge having the potential to release over cargo empty
21.2 million individual planktonic animals.
Loading ballast water Ballast tanks full
1 At source point 2 During voyage
“Ballast Water Stowaways” GEF/UNDP/IMO GloBallast Programme

Vessel Biofouling: Vessels can carry biofouling as they

Photo courtesy of California State Lands Commission
Updated 8.20.2019
move throughout the world, and these organisms can
be introduced when they spawn (reproduce) or fall off a
vessel. Vessel biofouling is an organism or a community of
organisms that are attached to or associated with a ves-
sel’s hard surfaces that are wet or underwater. Vessel bio-
fouling includes attached organisms such as barnacles,
algae, and mussels, and also includes organisms that
associate with the attached organisms such as worms,
crabs, and amphipods (small shrimp-like animals). 2