One simple way ships can protect endangered whales and tackle climate change

What is the solution?

There are certain areas in the ocean where we know a lot of whales are present. In these locations, we've worked with shipping companies and governments to slightly re-route shipping lanes away from these areas.

For example, we've got some companies to agree to avoid an area near Sri Lanka where the majority of northern Indian Ocean blue whales congregate. One of the largest shipping companies in the world, MSC, has also altered its routes to protect endangered sperm whales in the Hellenic Trench off the coast of Greece.

But the global distribution of whales isn't predictable. They can be anywhere, so we need a holistic approach that will protect whales wherever they are. That's why IFAW's Blue Speeds campaign is calling for a small reduction in shipping speeds.

Research shows that slowing ships down across the global fleet by approximately 10% would reduce risk of a ship strike by 50% and reduce underwater noise by 40%.

On our Blue Speeds website, you can hear what the reduction in noise sounds like. It's a tremendous difference, especially for these very vulnerable populations in which every animal is vital for the species' survival.

The good thing about underwater noise is that, unlike other pollutants, once the noise stops, the pollution also stops. It's not like an oil spill, where you have to undertake a huge cleanup. Similarly, the risk of a ship colliding with a whale immediately decreases when a ship's speed decreases.

Slowing ships down has an immediate, tangible effect.

How does reducing speed benefit shipping companies, too?

Maritime transport accounts for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) published a study in 2015 that said the problem would only get worse if not addressed. Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu predicted that 'by 2050, CO2 emissions from international shipping could grow by between 50% and 250%, depending on future economic growth and energy developments. Therefore, if we are to succeed in further enhancing the sector's energy efficiency, which is already the most energy-efficient mode of mass transport of cargo, the international community must deliver realistic and pragmatic solutions, both from a technical standpoint and a political perspective.'

Reducing ship speeds is one of those realistic and pragmatic solutions, because when you slow down, you burn less fuel. This is one way shipping companies can meet strict new targets set out by the IMO recently, which make it mandatory for ships to improve their energy efficiency and decrease their emissions.

The shipping industry regularly adjusts its speeds to save money when fuel prices rise. We are simply asking for these reductions to become the norm.

What role can governments and supporters play?

Many shipping companies see the benefit of slowing down or slightly changing their routes to help conserve vulnerable species. They have voluntarily agreed to these changes.

But we need governments and regulators to enshrine these changes in policy.

The European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive is a great example. The EU is the most forward-thinking governing body when it comes to underwater noise. That's why IFAW's Blue Speeds campaign is starting with Europe, but we urge leaders around the world to take this issue seriously before any more of our precious marine wildlife loses the battle against extinction.

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