The West Coast Ballast Outreach Project began in 1999 as an outreach program to improve industry knowledge about the impacts of aquatic invasive species (AIS). The project works to stimulate industry interest and involvement in the development of new ballast management technologies that are appropriate for the West Coast. The project also promotes information exchange between industry, researchers, and regulators to ensure that work on this issue proceeds with adequate knowledge and recognition of the ecological and economic facts associated with the implementation of ballast management. Funding for this project has been provided by the National Sea Grant College Program and the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.

Specific objectives of the West Coast Ballast Outreach Project are as follows:

1. To continue to improve knowledge and understanding of current ballast water management strategies and AIS issues among the maritime industry, regulators, researchers, and the general public.
2. To coordinate ballast water management activities along the West Coast, and with the federal and international programs.
3. To maintain open lines of communication and promote cooperation between private industry, regulators, and researchers concerned with ballast water management.
4. To bolster industry interest and participation in ballast management issues, to set the stage for increased industry participation in ballast water treatment technology project, and to enhance the potential for adoption of technologies and management strategies.

Project goals and objectives are reached using a three-pronged approach:

1. Outreach Materials - Through the successful "Stop Ballast Water Invasions" brochure and poster, the biannual newsletter, Ballast Exchange, and through this web site.
2. Ballast Water Seminars - The project hopes to establish a seminar series at the California Maritime Academy to allow cadets, the public and maritime community to interact with members from the maritime industry who have taken a pro-active approach to the ballast water issue. Seminars will be free of charge.
3. General Outreach and Workshops - On an "as needed" basis, the West Coast Ballast Outreach Project will host local workshops and teleconferences on specific ballast water issues. The project will coordinate activities with the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) and with the ANS Task Force.