CA coast could soon be safer for whales with expansion of vessel speed reduction program

"SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The California coast could soon become safer for migrating whales. For more than a decade, a program called Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies has worked with shipping companies to slow the speed of massive vessels through sensitive areas at peak migration seasons, reducing the risk of deadly collisions. Now, that program and its enhanced protections are being extended statewide, with a new bill signed into law this fall by Governor Newsom."

""And so I think it just goes to show that the ocean is really dynamic," she said. "You're going to have some years where the prey is super close to shore. You might have some where it shifted whales offshore. But we need to be prepared for all scenarios. And so having these expanded vessel speed zones helps us just manage that, kind of cover all of our bases as the ocean is changing.""

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies partners with shipping companies to slow large vessels through sensitive coastal areas during peak migrations, lowering the risk of deadly collisions. The program’s protections have been extended statewide by a new law signed by the governor. Technologies such as sonar detectors are used to locate endangered whales, while changing ocean temperatures and shifting prey can alter migration routes. Expanded vessel speed zones aim to address dynamic ocean conditions and increase conservation benefits. The speed reduction is voluntary, with growing shipping industry participation and ongoing industry engagement for feedback.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco