- Ships are speeding through a whale habitat in the Mediterranean, exceeding safe limits.
- This increases the risk of collisions with endangered whales like fin and sperm whales.
- Environmental groups are urging the Spanish government to require ships to slow down in this area to protect the whales.
New data analysis reveals a disturbing trend: ships are exceeding safe speed limits in a critical Mediterranean Sea corridor for endangered whales. The analysis, conducted by OceanCare and Quiet Oceans, shows that in 2023, over 80% of the distance traveled by merchant ships in the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea exceeded 10 knots. This is particularly concerning given scientific evidence that demonstrates speeds below 10 knots significantly reduce the risk of deadly collisions with whales.
The PSSA designation, implemented in January 2024, was specifically established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to protect whales from ship strikes. However, current measures are voluntary, prompting calls for mandatory speed restrictions.
Endangered Whales Face Deadly Threat
The area is a vital habitat for fin whales and sperm whales, both classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List. Unfortunately, ship strikes are the leading cause of human-induced mortality for these whales. Since these populations have low reproduction rates, even a single fatal collision can have a significant impact on their recovery.
Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Adjusting shipping routes in this area is not a viable solution due to the unpredictable movements of the whales. As a result, environmental organizations, including OceanCare and nine others, are urging the Spanish government to take decisive action. They propose incorporating a mandatory speed limit for ships into the management plan for the Cetacean Migration Corridor, a Marine Protected Area (MPA) located within the PSSA.
Benefits of Speed Limits
Implementing a mandatory speed limit would offer a multi-faceted solution:
- Protecting Whales: Slower speeds significantly reduce the risk of deadly collisions with whales.
- Reducing Noise Pollution: Slower ships produce less underwater noise pollution, another threat to marine mammals.
- Creating a Level Playing Field: Mandatory speed limits would ensure fairness among shipping companies.
Spain Poised to Set an Example
Spain has the unique opportunity to set a global example for sustainable maritime development by enacting mandatory speed limits. This action could have a ripple effect, influencing future whale protection measures in other parts of the world.
Public Advocacy Efforts
Furthering the call to action, OceanCare launched a petition, “Because Our Planet Is Blue,” urging world leaders to implement mandatory speed reductions as part of a six-point plan for effective ocean protection.
A Crucial Conference
A conference scheduled for July 9th, organized by environmental NGOs, will bring together scientists, legal experts, and government representatives to discuss the urgency of reducing ship speeds in the Cetacean Migration Corridor.
The future of these endangered whales depends on effective action. Implementing mandatory speed limits is a crucial step towards ensuring their survival in the busy waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Source: Ocean Care
