The GLRC's Chuck Quirmbach reports:

An emerging fish disease known as viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS, has prompted a proposed ban on the use of ballast water in the Great Lakes. ...the proposed ban is leading to predictions of economic disruption:

In his commentary yesterday, Jack Lessenberry notes:

First it was zebra mussels and a variety of other non-native pests infiltrating the Great Lakes. Now, there is a new disease that is threatening the fish population called Viral Hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. And the great fear is that it will be spread by ships bringing it in their ballast water.

This photo is from the Absolute Michigan Pool on Flickr

Listen to Interview: Rebecca Humphries - 12/5/06 by Jack Lessenberry's Essays and Interviews
Also read or listen to the companion Essay: Taking on Water - 12/5/06 by Jack Lessenberry's Essays and Interviews
And, read or listen to FISH DISEASE PROMPTS BAN ON BALLAST WATER by The Environment Report
Also read Michigan Battles to Save Fishing Industry and How to Save the Great Lakes, both by Red Tape Blog
Also read close the Great Lakes to ocean ships? by Dave's Blog