Collisions Between Vessels and Whales

Increases in vessel traffic, especially high speed vessels, coupled with the gradual increase in numbers of several whale species has increased the incidence of whale strikes in BC coastal waters in recent years. Jensen and Silber (2003) reported that fin whales are the most frequently struck large cetaceans, at nearly twice the next most commonly struck species – humpback whales. Injury and death as a result of ship-strikes are significant threats to recovering populations and has the potential to damage smaller vessels and cause injury to passengers.

There have also been a growing number of collisions between smaller vessels and humpback whales, killer whales and minke whales. During the summers of 2006, two killer whales, two humpback whales and a minke whale were either seen being struck by vessels or were seen with recent scars from collisions with vessels. The two killer whales are known to have died and one of the humpback whales has not been resighted since.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Observe the Be Whale Wise Guidelines.
2. Slow down to less than 7 knots within 400 m of whales.
3. In areas of known killer whale activity, reduce speed and keep a lookout for signs of whales, dolphins and porpoise.

References

Jensen, A.S. and G.K. Silber. 2003. Large Whale Ship Strike Database. U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum. NMFS-OPR- , 37 pp.