In addition to pollutants introduced into the marine environment from stormwater, transport may affect the marine environment by changing water movements through construction of marine structures or by introducing pollutants such as rubbish, toxic chemicals and marine pests.

Oil spills from shipping and recreational boating can have significant impacts. Oil may smother marine organisms, introduce toxic material into the food chain or degrade beaches.

Ballast water (particularly from international shipping) can introduce new species into Australian waters. More than 250 introduced marine species from ballast waters have been identified in Australian coastal waters, with 22 of those in South Australia's coastal waters and the presence of a further 8 suspected. Chemicals in antifouling paints may also be toxic.

Hulls of vessels can also carry species. Some of these species can have adverse affects on fisheries and aquaculture production, shipping and ports, tourism, coastal amenity, and the health of the ecosystem.

The Federal Government, through the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service manages barrier control, including ballast from international shipping. For further information visit Environment Australia.

Transport SA Management Measures

Transport SA owns and is responsible for maintaining its marine assets and facilities in an environmentally sustainable manner. These assets, some of which are leased, include jetties, ramps, slipways, wharfs and navigational aids.

To ensure that activities carried out at Transport SA marine facilites have minimal impact on the environment, an EPA Code of Practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) has been adopted.

This is also a useful guide for all users of our coastal waterways. South Australia has also adopted the Working together to reduce the impacts of shipping: Code of Practice – Antifouling and In-water Hull Cleaning prepared by the Australian and New Zealand Environment Council.

On behalf of the State, Transport SA is also responsible for the management of Oil Spill Response program in South Australian waters, see Managing Oil Pollution .

South Australian legislation such as the The Protection of Marine Waters (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1987 and the Harbours and Navigation Act 1993, administered by Transport SA, control or prevent waste disposal from ships and also incorporate international conventions, e.g. the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).