A training workshop on sampling and analysing ballast water is being held in Gebze, Turkey (2-4 June). Taking part are Port State Control officers and marine biologists from several Lead Partnering Countries (LPCs) of the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloBallast Partnerships Programme (GloBallast), which aims to address the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water, thereby reducing the negative impact on marine ecosystems. The training involves shipboard sampling followed by practical laboratory analysis of the sampled ballast water. It aims to equip participants with the skills to replicate the training at a national level.