TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency has issued new requirements for cleansing ballast water dumped from ships, which scientists believe has brought invasive species to U.S. waters that damage ecosystems and cost the economy billions of dollars.

A general permit released Thursday will apply to commercial vessels longer than 79 feet. It requires them to meet international standards for treating ballast water, which keeps ships stable in rough seas. The Coast Guard adopted similar requirements last year.