BalastIN project targets invasive species in the Adriatic Sea

The BalastIN project has launched professional workshops and educational sessions aimed at reducing the risk of invasive species spreading through the Adriatic Sea via ship ballast water. The initiative, which runs from April 2026 to March 2029, is valued at approximately 588,222 euros, with 85 percent of the funding provided by the European Regional Development Fund.

Led by the University of Dubrovnik, the project involves several regional counties and scientific institutions. Research activities include sampling ballast water at the Viktor Lenac shipyard and in the ports of Rijeka, Raša, and Ploče to determine the geographic origin of organisms and the effectiveness of current onboard treatment systems.

Educational efforts target port authorities, maritime officials, and the scientific community. Topics include the application of international conventions on ballast water management, the impact of marine currents on species spread, and the presence of bacteria and pathogens in ports. A key goal is the establishment of a virtual laboratory at the University of Rijeka's Faculty of Maritime Studies to educate seafarers on environmental protection regulations.