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blue whales: searching for safe passage Protecting Whales from ship strikes in the Santa barbara channel
In recent years, ship strikes have emerged as a primary threat to recovering whale populations, and nowhere is this conflict more apparent than the Santa Barbara Channel. The Channel provides habitat for numerous whale species including fin, gray, and humpback whales, but is especially renowned for harboring the densest seasonal population of blue whales on the planet. In 2007, the urgent need to address ship strikes was tragically illustrated when at least four blue whales were struck and killed within the Santa Barbara Channel during a three-week period. In the wake of these deaths, EDC has been pursuing protective mechanisms including shipping lane changes and mandatory speed limits. EDC IS PURSING PROTECTION OF BLUE (AND OTHER) WHALES ON FIVE FRONTS:1) Seeking Mandatory Speed Limits
California’s national marine sanctuaries have some of the nation’s richest marine wildlife and habitats as well as some of the most heavily trafficked shipping lanes in the country. Reducing ship speeds will benefit whales, other marine life, and people. Studies have shown that if ships reduce speed, the likelihood of a ship strike may be decreased, as well as the impact of the strike. In addition, lower ship speeds also reduce harmful underwater noise, air pollution, and greenhouse gases.
EDC, along with other conservation groups, will be working with NOAA and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries to implement both near-term and long-term activities identified in their response to our legal petition seeking mandatory speed limits of 10-knots for large ships traveling through California’s marine sanctuaries. While disappointed that NOAA will not be seeking mandatory speed limits at this time, we will continue advocating for a comprehensive approach that includes ship speeds. MORE>> (2) US Coast Guard Port Access Route Study (PARS)
The US Coast Guard released its PARS study that recommends shifting existing shipping lanes to address concerns raised by the EDC and others to reduce the threat of ship strikes for large and endangered whales that feed in the Channel. MORE>> Recent changes in ship traffic to and from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, from new State air quality laws, have resulted in ship safety and other concerns. Ships that used to travel within established lanes inside the Santa Barbara Channel are now travelling in a haphazard fashion outside the Islands. In response, the US Coast Guard completed its PARS. Throughout the process EDC encouraged the Coast Guard to use the PARS as an opportunity to address ship strikes. We praised the Coast Guard for including recommendations that shift shipping lane locations within the Santa Barbara Channel, while expressing disappointment at the Coast Guard’s decision not to recommend vessel speed limits. See our press release on the PARS report. (3) Blue Whale Recovery Plan
On behalf of the EDC, Friends of the Earth, Pacific Environment and Center for Biological Diversity, we sent a formal notice of intent to sue to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), demanding that NMFS implement critical provisions of its 1998 Blue Whale Recovery Plan. MORE>> Despite the fact that more than a decade has passed since NMFS approved the Recovery Plan, the agency had failed to carry out key provisions of the Plan intended to minimize or eliminate threats caused by ship strikes, pollution, and other harmful activities. As a follow-up to this notice, NMFS is convening a series of science workshops focusing on whale and ship patterns in our area.
(4) Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Subcommittee
EDC Chief Counsel Linda Krop served on the CINMS Subcommittee on whales and ship strikes and pushed for increased notices to mariners (advising ships when whales are in the area) and measures to reduce ship speeds. MORE>> Studies have shown that if ships reduce speed, the likelihood of a ship strike may be decreased, as well as the impact of the strike. The subcommittee developed a report with recommendations to advise the Sanctuary program as well as other Federal agencies
(5) Engaging the Community with Outreach and Education MORE>>
Photos by NOAA (top) and Transparentsea Voyage (bottom). |
©2011 Environmental Defense Center · 906 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Phone: 805-963-1622 | Fax: 805-962-3152 |
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