Protecting whales from vessel strikes

As mariners, we share the sea with countless marine creatures – yet we often overlook how our vessels impact their lives. As responsible seafarers, this is an issue we can no longer ignore. Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI, from the IWC expert panel on preventing whale strikes, looks at some of the dangers that whales face and how we can help keep them safe.

I recall a particular voyage passing the Cape of Good Hope. A group of whales appeared near our vessel, and I called my crew to witness the incredible sight. At that moment, I was focused only on the beauty of the scene, never considering that our large, fully loaded tanker might be disturbing them. I never considered the possibility that these creatures, perhaps feeding or recovering from a deep dive, could be vulnerable to our presence.

Reflecting on that now, I realise how much more we, as mariners, can do to minimise our impact on marine life. These species are not fish; they are air-breathing, warm-blooded marine mammals that nurture their young and are highly vulnerable.

Understanding the risks

Whales face significant dangers from vessel strikes, not just from large ships but also from recreational, fishing and offshore vessels. The risk is particularly high in regions with dense whale populations or where migration routes overlap with busy shipping lanes. Whales sometimes move or rest only just beneath the surface, making them incredibly difficult to detect. Navigational equipment, no matter how advanced, cannot always pick up a whale recovering just one metre below the water level. Even the most vigilant watchkeeping may not prevent an unintentional collision from happening.

Compounding the problem, whales may fail to react to vessel noise as they draw near. They can struggle to locate approaching ships due to underwater sound reflections, confusion from multiple vessel sounds, or the hull blocking engine and propeller noises. If a whale has not had previous negative encounters with a vessel, it might not even recognise ships as a danger. So, what can we do as mariners to help?

Slow down!

Scientists and conservationists have long called for ships to slow down in areas where whale populations are dense. Studies show that reducing speed to below 13 knots significantly lowers the risk of fatal strikes, with many experts advocating for speeds under 10 knots in critical habitats. Slower speeds give whales more time to detect and avoid vessels, and in the event of a collision, the impact is far less severe. While speed reduction may not always be practical due to operational constraints, we must consider it whenever possible.

Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs)

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued circulars to protect whales from ship strikes and has designated Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) to protect key marine environments, including whale habitats. The World Shipping Council produced a WCS Whale Chart to assist mariners with voyage planning to minimise the risk of ship strikes to cetaceans – you can find a version on the next page, but the online version is continually updated. However, vessel strikes remain a major concern. More protected areas may be necessary that take into account whale migration routes and seasonal feeding grounds.

Navigators must stay informed about where these areas are and incorporate them into passage plans accordingly. For example, in the United States, there are designated Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs) in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast, where vessel speed restrictions are enforced to protect right whales. Additionally, NOAA Fisheries has established Dynamic Management Areas (DMAs) and Slow Zones, voluntary programmes that notify vessel operators to reduce speed when right whales are detected. In Canada, static zones require vessels longer than 13 metres to travel at a speed not exceeding 10 knots over the ground in the Gulf of St Lawrence.

Awareness is key. Some critical information can be found in sailing WHALE TALES directions issued by hydrographic offices, which sometimes provide details on whale presence and migration patterns. Coastal states and port authorities may also issue regional advisories about whale activity, and navigational charts may include whale caution zones. Integrating this data into passage planning is vital to reducing risks.

Navigating operational and regulatory challenges

While reducing speed or altering course to avoid whales makes sense from a conservation standpoint, operational realities must still be considered. As one shipmaster pointed out, ‘Avoiding whales or reducing speed is not a clause in the charter party, and the ship will be fined if we slow down or take a significant deviation.’

This quote highlights the need for regulatory adjustments that support conservation without penalising ship operators. Balancing environmental protection with operational efficiency remains a challenge, but one that we must address collectively.

In addition to routing, maintaining a vigilant watch for marine mammals is crucial to avoid striking protected species. When safety permits, ships should slow down when mother/calf pairs or groups of whales are observed forward of the ship. Mariners should take precautionary measures and exercise caution when sighting a whale at the surface, as this may indicate the presence of submerged whales nearby.

CSMART Marine Mammals Avoidance Training advises that ships should also consider altering course around whales, maintaining a minimum distance of 100 metres whenever possible. If a whale is sighted in the ship’s path or in close proximity, reducing speed is a necessary precaution.

A shared responsibility

Protecting whales is not solely the responsibility of ship operators or regulatory bodies; it is a collective effort involving mariners, shipowners, charterers and policymakers. We must advocate for regulations that prioritise whale conservation while ensuring realistic implementation for the industry. Technological advancements, such as real-time whale detection systems, acoustic monitoring and improved route planning tools, can further aid in mitigating vessel strikes.

The maritime industry must also do more to educate seafarers on this issue. Mariners should take the initiative to watch videos, read scientific articles and familiarise themselves with whale behaviour and migration patterns. Understanding the species that inhabit the waters we navigate can help us make informed decisions that reduce our impact.

Preventing whale strikes is a complex issue, but every step we take – reducing speed, adjusting routes and staying informed – helps protect these magnificent creatures. Our ships and whales share the same ocean. It is our responsibility to navigate with care and respect, ensuring that future generations of mariners and marine life continue to coexist.