The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) program has achieved a record-breaking season in 2025, with 44 shipping companies now participating in this vital initiative. The program is dedicated to mitigating the risk of fatal ship strikes on endangered whales and simultaneously improving air quality along the California coast. This significant increase in participation underscores a growing collective commitment to marine conservation and environmental stewardship.
This year's program is on track to recognize a substantial number of companies for their dedication. Ten shipping lines are poised to receive the prestigious Sapphire award, signifying 90% or greater cooperation with the program's guidelines. An additional thirteen companies are expected to earn the Gold award for achieving between 70-89% cooperation. These awards highlight the tangible efforts being made by the shipping industry to adapt their operations for the benefit of marine life.
Participating vessels have collectively traveled over 247,000 nautical miles within designated Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones. Crucially, 84% of this distance was covered at speeds of 10 knots or less. Research consistently shows that reducing vessel speed is a critical factor in minimizing the likelihood of collisions with whales. Studies indicate that reducing vessel speed to 10 knots or less significantly reduces the risk of fatal whale collisions by almost 50% compared to 15 knots.
A key development for the 2025 season was the expansion of the VSR zones to encompass the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. This strategic addition broadens the protected area by approximately 2,600 square miles, bringing the total protected area to approximately 4,543 square miles, offering enhanced safety for marine life within this ecologically rich and culturally significant region. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary is known for its remarkable biodiversity and its importance as a habitat for various species, including blue whales and leatherback sea turtles.
Program leaders have expressed optimism regarding the increased collaboration and its impactful outcomes. The presence of 92 humpback whales sighted on a single day in May serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of these protective measures. Ship strikes remain a significant global threat to whale populations, yet only about 7% of high-risk areas for whale-ship collisions have protection measures. Initiatives like BWBS are instrumental in addressing this challenge. The BWBS program exemplifies a successful collaborative effort, bringing together government agencies, foundations, and environmental nonprofits. By providing mariners with essential resources, such as the new Whale Atlas, and incentivizing voluntary speed reductions, the program is making a demonstrable difference in safeguarding whales and improving the health of our coastal environment. Reducing vessel speed also contributes to the reduction of pollutant emissions, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), which constitute a significant portion of air pollution in California's coastal areas. Furthermore, reducing vessel speed helps decrease underwater noise, which also positively impacts the marine ecosystem. The program's success is built on the understanding that collective action, even in voluntary measures, can lead to profound positive shifts in our relationship with the natural world.