Study Identifies Global Whale-Ship Collision Risks

A groundbreaking study has revealed that ship strikes pose a significant threat to large whale species, with global shipping routes overlapping 92% of their habitats. Researchers found that by implementing protective measures in only 2.6% of the ocean's surface, thousands of whale deaths could be prevented with minimal impact on global trade. The study analyzed data from 430,000 whale sightings and 176,000 ship tracks, identifying key collision hotspots, especially along coastal regions like California and South Africa. Despite the evident risks, most of these high-risk areas lack mandatory measures to mitigate collisions, with only a fraction of whale hotspots currently protected. The findings underscore the urgent need for action to safeguard marine ecosystems and restore whale populations. The study was published in the journal Science, marking a significant step in understanding and addressing the global issue of whale-ship collisions.