Go Slow, Whales Below: Slow Speeds Save Whales

With global trade increasing, ships are getting bigger, and shipping routes are getting more crowded. In addition to commercial shipping, in the US alone we have at least/more than/approximately 12 million recreational boating vessels as of 2020. Our waterways are becoming increasingly congested, with high traffic areas often intersecting with critical habitats of marine mammals along the US and Canadian coasts.

One of the leading causes of death for marine mammals is vessel strikes. Vessel strikes by small boats under 65 feet are of particular concern to mammals such as the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, who swim through congested shipping lanes and recreational boating areas as part of its annual migration. Vessel strikes can cause serious damage to the vessel as well, putting those onboard at risk. Join our breakout session to hear from US and Canadian scientists, educators, and advocates about the importance of mandatory speed restrictions, and how citizen science and the free Whale Alert app are helping reduce the risk of deadly vessel strikes to whales.