Bridging Science and Seamanship to Reduce Vessel–Whale Strikes
International Whaling Commission (IWC) – IMO workshop
Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI, our Senior Technical Manager represented the Institute last week at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) – IMO workshop titled “Collaborative Solutions for Reducing Vessel Strikes: Uniting Insights from Science, Industry, and Policy.”
The workshop brought together scientists, regulators and maritime stakeholders from around the world to address the growing risk of ship–whale collisions, sharing global perspectives on risk assessment, mitigation measures, and emerging detection technologies.
As a member of the IWC Vessel–Whale Strike Expert Working Group, Capt. Elsayed delivered a practical, operations-focused presentation aimed at raising awareness among seafarers. His contribution emphasized:
- Understanding whale behaviour and vessel–whale strike risk
- Translating scientific research into operational language that navigators can readily apply at sea
- Practical measures such as improved lookout practices, speed management and the use of ECDIS in environmental caution zones
A key message from Capt. Elsayed's presentation was the importance of bridging any communication gaps, ensuring that scientific insights are communicated in a way that real-world constraints and operational realities are better understood
The discussions confirmed that meaningful progress depends on collaboration, education, and the integration of human-element considerations into all mitigation strategies.
A great example of how industry expertise and science can come together to support safer seas—for mariners and marine life alike.
Watch our best practice video that highlights the growing risk of tragic accidents between ships and whales due to the increasing number of vessels traversing the water here.