Marine Invasive Species Program (MISP) is responsible for analysis of shipping vectors responsible for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) into California’s coastal waters. MISP goals are the following:

-Measure status and trends of biological invasions in coastal marine ecosystems of California

-Understand geographic distribution, habitat distribution, and patterns of spread for non-native marine and estuarine species in California 

-Evaluate the vectors of introduction and spread of NIS in California

-Detect changes in the patterns (rate, spread, prevalence) of NIS in response to shipping management regulations

The MISP applies to ships of 300GT and above, capable of carrying ballast water. Shipping Operators, Masters must comply with regulations for ballast water discharges and ship biofouling enforced under the Marine Invasive Species Program (MISP).

All ships that arrive at California ports must submit the Ballast Water Management Report 24 hours prior to arrival at each port in California. If a ship’s voyage is less than 24 hours, then the report shall be submitted upon departure from the last port of call prior to arrival.

From 1 January 2021, is required the annual submission of the MISP Annual Vessel Reporting Form (AVRF) to be made through the web-based platform MISP.IO at least 24 hours prior to a vessel’s first arrival at a California port during each calendar year. The program is administered by the California State Lands Commission (SLC).

Source: www.wildlife.ca.gov

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