Danish Shipping aims to better protect whales, especially in breeding areas, and has updated its policy to encourage its members to take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of whale strikes.
The new policy on this issue highlights the need to be aware of and follow all existing guidelines and recommendations, including those from the IMO, and to seek relevant information on whale movements, which is continuously published by organisations like the World Shipping Council, and to consider this when planning a ship’s route.
Danish Shipping, as part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, supports whale protection and promotes awareness of current guidelines and initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime safety while safeguarding the marine ecosystem. Members are reminded that in certain regions, particularly in North America, both mandatory and voluntary programs are in place, communicated through national agencies and federations.
The policy stresses the importance of providing crews with up-to-date information on sensitive whale areas to ensure safe navigation. Danish Shipping encourages its members to utilize resources, such as those from the World Shipping Council (WSC), which offer valuable insights into whale habitats and migration patterns. Key resources for reference include:
- WSC Whale Chart
- IWC Ship Strikes Information
- Whale Mitigation Measures 2024 (Shipfed)
- NOAA Fisheries Bulletin
According to the organization, by accessing and integrating this information into navigation practices, Danish Shipping members can minimize their impact on marine wildlife, aligning with the organization’s dedication to sustainable maritime operations.
Key facts
- Whale strikes pose a significant threat to the diminishing whale population and to vessel safety, as strikes can cause serious damage and endanger personnel, especially with smaller crafts.
- The risk is heightened in certain areas and during specific seasons, leading to the implementation of regional voluntary and mandatory precautionary programs.
- Raising awareness and thoroughly evaluating whale-related information for trading sea areas, particularly high-risk areas, are crucial in reducing whale strikes, protecting marine biodiversity, and enhancing navigation safety.
- Research suggests that up to 20,000 whales are killed annually in vessel collisions, although the accuracy of this figure may require further investigation.
We have a responsibility to consider the life in the seas our ships sail through. I hope that by raising awareness about the issue of whale strikes, we can help reduce the risk of them happening
… said Nina Porst, Director of Climate, Environment, and Security at Danish Shipping.
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