The livestock export industry involves the transport of livestock by sea to overseas markets. Part of effectively managing animal welfare and biosecurity involves washing manure from the ship’s decks. Ship owners and masters ensure these processes are done in accordance with international maritime requirements.
Recognising the growing emphasis on environmental stewardship within the community, and as an expectation for market access and commercial engagements, this project aims to investigate the international laws and policies governing effluent discharge at sea. It will examine practices employed by both maritime and land-based industries in managing effluent, encompassing both human and animal waste.
It will also provide recommendations on best practice to manage potential positive or negative impacts on marine life and the environment, and guidance on further research and other opportunities for the industry to consider.
The objective of this project is to produce practical, evidence-based resources to support the Australian livestock export industry to:
demonstrate that it is proactively working to minimise environmental risks from the discharge of effluent at sea.
take initial steps to address community expectations around environmental sustainability and stewardship.
communicate this project as a key platform of its environmental improvement credentials to banks and other institutions.
adopt practices to support improved environmental outcomes during livestock export by sea.
This project will help to ensure the livestock export industry is sustainably managing effluent production from ships and meeting community expectations regarding environmental stewardship.