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Promote the development and adoption of an international protocol of the management of ballast water discharge in meetings of the Maritime Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organisation. |
The Ministry has been represented at both IMO meetings this year. |
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Provide Ministerial briefings before and after each such international meeting where significant issues are at stake. |
Ministerial briefings were provided as required. |
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Provide advice on the alignment of regulatory regimes and research programmes with Australia. |
The Ministry has been represented at the Australian Ballast Water Management Advisory Council meetings and Australian Ballast Water Research Advisory Group meetings. |
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Enforcement training packages for officials carrying out ballast water compliance activities on vessels will be developed. |
An enforcement training programme was developed by 30 September 1998 and training for all Inspectors was undertaken in November and December 1998. |
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Ongoing review of the Import Health Standard high risk areas annex to make sure it reflects the risk to New Zealand from all areas. |
There has been no need to review or update the Import Health Standard this year. |
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With Department of Conservation, provide policy advice in the event of a marine biosecurity emergency. |
There have not been any marine biosecurity emergencies requiring advice in the area. |
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By 30 September 1998 hold a national symposium on ballast water issues, involving funders, providers and policy makers. |
The national symposium has been delayed in the light of national and international activity in the area. |
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By 30 November 1998, in consultation with the Department of Conservation, report to the Minister with a detailed proposal including funding requirements, for assuming responsibility for emergency response in the marine environment. |
Proposal was completed, in consultation with the Department of Conservation and other stakeholders, by 30 November 1998. |
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By 30 November 1998, report on priorities for additional surveillance, based on scientific advice on the adequacy of existing surveillance activities. |
Report was completed, in consultation with stakeholders, by 30 November 1998. |
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By 30 March 1999, investigate the need for stricter controls to protect marine areas of special significance, including the possible need for controls on hull de-fouling for ships that have never left New Zealand. |
This project is being led by the Department of Conservation. Work is yet to commence. |
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By 30 June 1999, examine the results of research into the risk of introducing exotic marine organisms through hull fouling and assess the need for control under the Biosecurity Act 1993. |
Ministry of Fisheries and Ministry for the Environment have completed the assessment and are finalising proposal for regulatory controls. |
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Prepare replies to approximately 30 Ministerial letters and Parliamentary questions. |
All ministerial correspondence prepared within 15 days of receipt. |
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Regulatory advice Advice for the promulgation of regulations controlling ballast water discharge |
On an ongoing basis, monitor and audit compliance work by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in quarterly reports and subsequent discussions. |
The Memorandum of Understanding with MAF signed in 1998 includes a requirement for quarterly reports. Steps are being taken to ensure timely provision of quarterly reports. |
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On an ongoing basis, monitor and audit the progress on scientific research in quarterly reports and subsequent discussions. |
Quarterly monitoring and auditing of scientific research progress completed. |
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Design and carry out a programme to assess the rate of compliance with the Import Health Standard. |
Measuring rate of compliance undertaken through the reworked vessel ballast water reporting forms and new database. |
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By 30 November 1998, in consultation with the Ministry for the Environment, investigate the development of regulations under the Resource Management Act 1991 to control the discharge of hull scrapings. |
A revised date of 30 March 1999 was approved by the Minister. The project is near completion with detailed proposal for controls imminent. |
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Compliance services Compliance and enforcement of voluntary controls on the discharge of overseas ballast water within New Zealand. |
Check on vessels entering New Zealand ports to confirm that all New Zealand requirements for the discharge of ballast water have been complied with. |
Inspectors have been directed to check 100% of vessels entering New Zealand ports. |
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All cases where it is suspected that the information provided is misleading or erroneous shall lead to assistance being sought from the local Maritime Safety Authority. |
No cause in this year to seek assistance. |
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