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DEQ is responsible for protecting and enhancing Oregon’s air, water and land quality, and DEQ’s Ballast Water Program is developing and implementing regulations to reduce the risk of introducing non-indigenous species into state waters by shipping-related transport. Program activities include vessel arrival monitoring, inspections and compliance verification, policy development, regional coordination, and outreach and education. DEQ also provides staff support to the Oregon Task Force on Shipping Transport of Aquatic Invasive Species.
Oregon currently does not have an established program to minimize the risk of introducing non-indigenous aquatic species from biofouling pathways (e.g., hull fouling) associated with shipping transport. Based upon a preliminary assessment of biofouling risks, the 2008 Task Force on the Shipping Transport of Aquatic Invasive Species recommended that DEQ implement a voluntary hull-husbandry survey of vessels calling on Oregon waters. The survey aims to gather information on voyage characteristics, anti-fouling technologies used, and hull-cleaning practices employed by vessels calling upon Oregon waters. In addition, the Ballast Program is actively engaged in policy development and regional coordination for ballast exchange verification tools, discharge standards, treatment technology availability, and emergency response preparedness. Fellowship tasks may include;
• Conducting outreach with the shipping community aimed at increased participation in a voluntary hull-husbandry survey initiative and assessing return rates and participation by regulated vessels;
• Analyzing hull-husbandry survey data;
• Collaborating with various state and federal agencies and stakeholder groups to develop policy recommendations for preventing introduction of non-native biofouling organisms to Oregon waters;
• Preparing a hull-husbandry survey report with recommendations for Task Force consideration;
• Providing administrative and report preparation support to the Task Force on Shipping Transport of Aquatic Invasive Species;
• Contributing to an Oregon-Washington Task Force aimed at developing more efficient ballast water management for the lower Columbia River.
This project will provide the incumbent with the opportunity to work with staff from DEQ, various state and federal agencies, Portland State University, non-governmental organizations, and shipping industry stakeholders. It would provide broad exposure to both scientific and policy issues related to invasive species management and shipping transport. The Fellow would within the Land Quality Division at DEQ Headquarters office in Portland. Good verbal and written communication, as well as experience in managing/analyzing data, will be critical to the success of this project.
Opportunities and Benefits
• Gain knowledge and experience in state, regional ,federal and international aquatic invasive species policy initiatives;
• Meet with and learn from leading scientists and policy markers;
• Opportunity to help shape policies that provide Oregon waters with sufficient protection from invasive species threats.
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