Canada’s coasts and waterways are vital to our environment, livelihoods, and economy, and must be protected. Ballast water, which helps keep vessels stable in the water, can accidentally introduce and spread aquatic invasive species, like the zebra mussel, if released in the water untreated. These invasive species have severe economic and environmental impacts on ecosystems and industries as they harm plants and animals, degrade beaches, impair fisheries, disrupt infrastructure, and create prevention and control expenses.