What is the environmental impact of invasive species introduced through untreated ballast water?

The introduction of invasive species through untreated ballast water can have significant and often detrimental effects on local ecosystems. When non-native species enter a new habitat, they frequently compete with native species for resources such as food, habitat, and breeding grounds. This competition can lead to the potential extinction of native species, particularly if the invasive species have no natural predators in their new environment.

Invasive species can also disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems, causing shifts in population dynamics and eliminating biodiversity. For example, an invasive predator may overconsume native prey, while invasive plants can outcompete native flora, leading to a reduction in plant diversity. Consequently, the overall health and functionality of the ecosystem may decline, affecting not only the biological community but also the humans who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and well-being.

In contrast, the other options—such as increasing genetic diversity, improving local water clarity, and reducing pollution levels—do not accurately reflect the impacts of invasive species introduced through ballast water, as these are generally the opposite of what actually occurs in such scenarios.