Global Study Reveals Over 90% of Whale-Ship Collision Hotspots Lack Protections

Researchers identify high-risk areas for whale-ship collisions and propose simple measures to mitigate threats to marine giants.

A University of Washington-led study found that global shipping traffic overlaps with 92% of the ranges of blue, fin, humpback, and sperm whales, putting them at significant risk of ship collisions.
Only 7% of the highest-risk areas for whale-ship collisions have measures like speed reductions or route changes in place to protect whales.
High-risk hotspots include coastal areas off the Americas, southern Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, and regions like Sri Lanka and the Canary Islands.
Researchers highlight that implementing protective measures in just 2.6% of the ocean's surface could safeguard all identified collision hotspots with minimal economic impact on the shipping industry.
Proposed solutions include rerouting shipping lanes, reducing vessel speeds in whale-dense areas, and creating alert systems, which also bring additional benefits like reduced noise pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions.