SHIP STRIKES

Ships, the only ocean-bound entities that rival whales in size, can also kill them in an instant when they hurtle through whale habitat. Speeding ships are especially problematic in the Santa Barbara Channel, where three endangered blue whales were found dead in September 2007 — almost certainly killed by ship strikes. To reduce whale mortality, the same month the Center filed a petition with the National Marine Fisheries Service to set a speed limit of 10 nautical miles per hour for all large vessels until whales have left the channel. Seven months later, when no speed limits had been set, we filed a complaint against the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure that it analyzes the ways in which ship traffic harms endangered whales and takes steps to protect those whales.

June 18, 2008 – Conservationists File Suit to Protect Whales From Ship Strikes off the California Coast; Coast Guard Must Do More to Protect Endangered Whales

September 30, 2007 – “Whales’ deaths spur questions on ship speeds,” Ventura County Star

September 26, 2007 – “To protect blue whales, group seeks speed limits for ships,” Contra Costa Times

September 25, 2007 – “Emergency Ship Speed Limits Sought to Protect Blue Whales,” Environment News Service

September 25, 2007 – Petition Seeks Emergency Rule Limiting Ship Speed in Santa Barbara Channel to Protect Blue Whales; Three Blue Whales Likely Killed by Ships in Past Two Weeks

Contact: Brendan Cummings