California’s coastline serves as a crucial habitat for whales, prompting the shipping industry to take significant measures for their protection. In collaboration with NOAA and local stakeholders, major ocean carriers have committed to reducing their speeds to 10 knots or less in designated seasonal zones from Point Arena to Los Angeles. This initiative aims to minimize the risk of ship strikes on endangered whales while also lowering underwater noise, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution.
The program, known as Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies, is sponsored by NOAA and actively encourages ship owners to participate. It also recognizes their contributions to environmental conservation, enhancing accountability and commitment within the industry.
To delve deeper into these efforts, TME recently interviewed Rachel Rhodes from UCSB’s Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory and Jess Morten of the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation. They discussed the shipping industry’s role in safeguarding California’s coastal environment and how other companies can get involved.
Share it now
