Big Impact
Studies have demonstrated conclusively that any time a whale is struck by a boat, no matter how small, the whale suffers. It is as simple as that. The faster the vessel is travelling, the greater the trauma. Collisions between whales and ships first became an issue late in the 1800s when technology allowed ships to start reaching speeds above 13 knots (24 kmph). It wasn’t until the 1950s, with faster and larger ships — and the exponential increase in demand — that the problem was recognized, though little was done.
Today it is a crisis; thousands of whales die every year. Most fatal or serious whale injuries caused by ships 20 metres and more in length and travelling at speeds of at least 14 knots. While routine speeds for even the largest ships at sea today reach as high as 25 knots, studies have demonstrated conclusively that any collision at speeds over 10 knots are likely to kill and over 18 knots are certain to be lethal. Baleen whales are at greater risk of being struck by ships than other marine mammals because of their large body size and because they spend a lot of time at the surface, feeding and resting and seem largely oblivious to approaching vessels.
While researchers seek technological solutions for the future, the most reliable response is and likely will always be separation — that is, keeping whales and ships away from each other by restricting shipping traffic. Of course, to do that requires a clear picture of where whales are.
Unfortunately, their whereabouts are notoriously hard to predict, and live tracking of whales as they move is no easier.
Bottom Line
Despite significant efforts by the Government of Canada to reduce the injury and death of whales due to collisions with commercial ships and other vessels, whales continue to be killed in Canadian waters. Speed restrictions and shipping lanes established in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, for example, have helped, but are not enough. If we want these majestic animals to survive, we need to take more drastic measures.
Did You Know?
42%
Approximate percentage of Canada’s marine species that are in danger of extinction.
10
The number of North Atlantic right whale calves born in 2020. Sadly, two of them died due to vessel strikes.
45,000
The number of Canadians in 2020 who signed the petition to the Canadian government in order to advocate for change.
What We are Doing
Biophysical Model of Whale-vessel Collisions
In partnership with Dalhousie University, the Canadian Wildlife Federation is striving to better understand the impact that ocean-going vessels have when they strike whales. The goal of this project is to identify the degree of injury whales incur after a vessel collision and to determine whether vessel size impacts the severity of the resulting injury.
With data provided by MERIDIAN, CWF is using a biophysical model of whale-vessel collisions to estimate lethality of a strike, to understand the risk contributed by different vessel types, and use this information to examine the effectiveness of these management measures at reducing the likelihood of vessel strikes. The CWF model provides a tool for scientists and managers to better understand what occurs to a whale during and after a collision event. The information derived from the model can inform current speed restrictions and support the idea of a more conservative speed.
What YOU Can Do
Donate
Your donation supports the work we do protecting and conserving marine species like the North Atlantic Right Whale, Southern Resident Killer Whales, Blue Whales and Beluga Whales.
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Learn More About Our Coasts and Oceans
Canada is the second largest country in the world – its land area is almost 10 million square kilometres. What is often forgotten is that our country also includes more than seven million square kilometres of ocean and more than 200,000 kilometres of coastline!
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Become a Part of The Watch
Join hundreds of coastal Canadians who live alongside some of our most endangered species — animals that face many dangers in our coastal oceans. Most marine animals in need of help are reported by members of the public, which is why we need you. Learn what to do if you come across a marine animal emergency by becoming a part of The Watch.
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Inspire Children to Care for Canada’s Whales
Educators and parents, we encourage you to order our Wild About Whales poster, featuring beautiful imagery and lots of great information about Canada’s whales. *While quantitties lastLearn more >
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