The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has encouraged
the shipping industry to take action to reduce the risk of harm to endangered
whale species.
It noted that significant steps had already been taken by
the industry to help protect marine mammals. In several areas around the world,
for example the St Lawrence River in Canada and the Gibraltar straits, vessels
are subject to speed limits. There is also guidance on ‘Particularly Sensitive
Sea Areas’ which provide caution to mariners on ‘whale avoidance’.
The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) announced this
summer its support of two whale protection initiatives by the NGOs OceanCare
and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Both initiatives aim to
protect whales by rerouting ships to avoid areas at high risk of collisions.
The OceanCare initiative aims to protect sperm whales in the Eastern
Mediterranean, while the IFAW initiative aims to protect blue whales in the
coastal waters off the southern tip of Sri Lanka.
The IFAW and OceanCare initiative complement the
initiative of the World Shipping Council and the ICS at the International
Maritime Organization to move the Traffic Separation Scheme off the southern
tip of Sri Lanka further offshore, in order to reduce the risk of collisions
between ships and whale species.
The IMO has been working with lawmakers and professional
associations, including the ICS, to update its guidelines on the protection of
whales.
ICS Secretary General Guy Platten said that “whales are a
vulnerable and endangered species. The ocean is their home, and we must make
sure that international shipping activities are mindful of their presence. It
is really positive to see our members working with NGOs on initiatives that
address this serious issue. There is always more that can be done, and that is
why we are working with the IMO, and other stakeholders on reviewing maritime
guidelines.”
