Preventing Blue Whale Ship Strikes

Loss of five blue whales in fall of 2007 sparks efforts to prevent recurrence of this tragedy before annual migration brings them into Southern California’s waters again

A reader has asked what is being done to protect the endangered blue whales in southern California where 5 died last year. This is what is happening so far:

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary(CINMS) has taken the lead in developing plans to prevent this from happening again. Their Scientific Advisory Committee has put together a working group to develop plans for reducing blue whale mortality in and near the sanctuary.

Possible solutions include:

• Increased monitoring of blue whales during migration-a similar plan has helped reduce North Atlantic Right whale ship strikes. Overflights by researchers during migration provide an ‘early warning system’ to let ships know where the right whales are so it is easier to avoid them
• Alterations of shipping channels-the same right whales have been helped in this way as they migrate through the Stellwagon Banks feeding grounds near Boston harbor.
• An observer program on-board ships in the area during migration-this would help ensure that whales are sighted and that speed limits are enforced.
• Education-Informing the shipping industry and local media will help ship captains to be aware of the locations of the whales with public awareness through the media putting pressure on all to follow the guidelines.

Although it is in the early stages, this type of preventive strategy has proven effective for right whales. Lets hope it does the same for the blue whales. As this migration season progresses (July through October) I’ll try to keep you informed.