Sailors Urged to Report Marine Life Collisions in Essential Survey

The Marine Mammal Advisory Group is urging the global sailing community to participate in an anonymous survey to document collisions between sailing vessels and marine life at sea. These collisions are a common occurrence in the sailing sector, often involving encounters with marine megafauna and whales. The organization aims to identify collision hotspots and gather crucial data by engaging sailors and boaters in this important survey.

Established in 2022, the MMAG collaborates with various stakeholders in the marine industry to enhance technical innovations, improve risk assessments, and promote education and outreach initiatives. The organization maintains a Marine strike log that collects reports from sources like the International Whale Commission and media outlets. Over 50% of reported collisions result in damage to vessels, crew, and potential injury or death to marine life. The lack of systematic reporting in the sailing sector makes it crucial for sailors to share their experiences through the survey link provided.

By reporting their experiences, sailors can help protect marine life, improve crew safety, and contribute to a global effort to gather critical collision data in the sailing sector. The MMAG emphasizes the importance of sailors sharing their observations to enhance understanding of our impact on ocean life. This knowledge can guide the development of better practices and promote a shift towards responsible stewardship of the ocean. Professional offshore sailor and Co-Founder of the MMAG, Damian Foxall, emphasizes the role of seafarers in building a better understanding of our impact on marine life.

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