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Speeding Ships Threaten Whales in Protected Seas
2 Nov
Summary
- Large vessels frequently exceed 15 knots in critical whale habitats.
- Collision speeds of 15 knots are almost always fatal for cetaceans.
- Companies are urged to move from voluntary to mandatory speed reductions.
Leading shipping companies are reportedly continuing to exceed recommended speeds in key cetacean habitats, despite advisories to slow down. Investigations reveal that large passenger and cargo vessels frequently travel at 15 knots (17 mph) or above within protected areas like the Pelagos sanctuary, a speed that is almost always fatal for whales in the event of a collision.
Conservationists and researchers are advocating for a shift from voluntary speed recommendations to mandatory regulations. While some companies claim to support mitigation efforts, captains suggest that without binding rules, commercial schedules will continue to take precedence over reduced speeds, impacting efforts to protect endangered sperm and fin whales in the Mediterranean.
Data from 2025 indicates that ships spent over 280,000 hours travelling at or above 15 knots within the designated sensitive sea area. While there have been overall declines in high-speed travel compared to 2022, experts believe these are due to factors other than the voluntary recommendations and stress the urgency of implementing binding frameworks to ensure greater compliance and protect marine life.
