The WSC Whale Chart is the first global mapping of all governmental measures to reduce harm to whales from vessels. These measures are designed to either prevent collisions with whales or reduce underwater radiated noise.
Building on the positive response to the first edition, published in November 2023, the updated version incorporates additional features to assist ship operators in reducing the risk of vessel strikes and mitigating underwater noise pollution, both of which can significantly impact marine life.
These governmental measures are designed to guide ship operators on how to navigate sensitive areas, with a focus on minimising disruption to whales and ensuring safer shipping practices. Furthermore, the WSC whale chart offers a survey of all these measures ranging from speed restrictions, routing measures, and areas to be avoided.
In this second edition of the WSC Whale Chart, existing measures have been updated and new measures are included from port authorities and regulators in Brazil, Costa Rica, the Arctic region, as well as the ‘whale desks’ in Canada and the U.S.
Key updates in the second edition include:
• Additional governmental measures: These include cross-jurisdictional initiatives such as U.S. and Canada’s work in the Salish Sea, precautionary areas and routing measures endorsed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait, as well as measures from Costa Rica, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Arctic.
• Port authority measures: New contributions from port authorities, such as those in São Sebastião (Brazil) and New York/New Jersey (U.S.), further expand the chart’s coverage.
• Focus on underwater noise: Government programs and measures that address underwater radiated noise, in addition to measures to prevent vessel strikes, are also part of the new edition of the chart.
The first edition has been widely used by mariners, governments, NGOs, and researchers, and we are grateful for the feedback we have received. The second edition builds on this foundation, adding new data and expanding its scope to enhance its usefulness.
…said Joe Kramek, CEO of the World Shipping Council.
In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, John Butler, former President and CEO of the World Shipping Council highlighted the need for a range of activities to further support the adoption and implementation of crucial safety practices and regulations at sea.
To remind, recently Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has also developed Whale Detection Cameras (WDC) designed to enhance marine wildlife protection by reducing vessel strikes on whales. In addition, the World Sustainability Foundation (WSF) has presented the results of a major study on the issue of ship-whale collisions.
