2.5 Invasive species Due to their role in connecting countries and continents by cargo and passenger transport, ports elevate the risk of invasive species proliferation. It is estimated that more than 80% of the world’s marine ecoregions are affected by at least one harmful invasive species.78 They compete with local species for nutrients and living space and reduce local biodiversity. A 2020 study of global shipping and its effects on biological invasion projected that in the following 30 years, the risk of marine biological invasion will increase by a factor of 3 to 20.79 Invasive species arrive in ports mostly through three channels: –Ballast water:80 Plankton, microorganisms, bacteria and even small fish, as well as eggs, larvae or spores of various species, are pumped into ballast tanks and may be released into new environments as ships arrive in destination ports. For example, zebra mussels entered North America through ballast water and caused significant economic loss.81 –Biofouling: Algae, microorganisms, mussels, barnacles, etc., can attach to hull surfaces, as well as to propellers, rudders and compartments submerged in the sea. These species can follow the ships into new environments and colonize.82 Studies have revealed over 2,000 common marine fouling species, which can increase the weight and resistance of the ship and result in unnecessary fuel consumption.83 The use of anti- fouling paints on ships and terminals can provide a degree of protection against attachment, decay and fouling of those marine organisms. However, care must be taken to ensure that anti-fouling paints used are environmentally safe to avoid toxicity to other organisms. –Cargo carried: Invasive animals, insects and plants arrive in new environments with cargo such as containers, logs and grain. They can be released to new environments during loading, unloading and storage if no screening or decontamination is conducted. They may also carry pathogens,84 causing invasive species and plague transmission risks. In the following 30 years, the risk of marine biological invasion will increase by a factor of 3 to 20.2.4 Pollution With the promulgation of relevant conventions and regulations by international organizations and governments and the increasing awareness of nature conservation within the port sector, progress has been made to mitigate pollution in and around ports. However, more needs to be done to improve pollution prevention and mitigation. Pollution in ports comes from a variety of sources, including water, air, solid, soil, noise and light pollution from the construction and operation of the port itself, as well as pollution due to incidents, such as oil and dangerous chemical spills. –Water pollution: This is typically pollution from fuel-powering ships and oil carried as cargo. These pollutants can be spilt because of ship collisions, groundings, and improper loading, unloading and storage. In addition, dangerous chemicals carried by ships, raw sewage and domestic waste can pollute the port and surrounding water bodies. –Air pollution: This is typically generated from a wide range of sources, including fuel-powered cargo handling equipment, ships, port vessels, trucks, railroad locomotives, passenger vehicles, power supply, etc. In addition to CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), methane (CH4), and particulate matter (PM) are also important sources of air pollution in port areas.76 –Noise pollution: This is generated by the operation of ships, transport vehicles and large machinery, including equipment loading and unloading. Irregular and high-decibel noise can affect surrounding residents and animals. –Light pollution: This is caused by intensive illumination from construction activities, berthed ships, port operations, etc. Severe light pollution can disturb surrounding animals’ foraging, breeding and migration, leading to disorientation and altered behavioural patterns. –Soil contamination: Soil mixing caused by the port’s construction and maintenance results in chemical changes in the soil. Additional soil contamination may occur from waste and the dredging process required to maintain the waterways. –Solid waste: Port operations generate solid waste from different types of port activities, including glass, metals, plastics, wastepaper, wood, rubber, leather, etc. When offshore structures and ships reach the end of their productive life, they must be decommissioned and dismantled, recycled or disposed of. It is a complex and, in many cases, hazardous business.77 Nature Positive: Role of the Port Sector 22

Nature Positive Role of the Ports Sector