Sunday 15 February is World Whale Day.
Did you know...?
- 26% of all whale, dolphin, and porpoise species are threatened
- North Atlantic right whales: only ~330 left, with just 70 breeding females
- Global shipping overlaps with 92% of blue, fin, humpback, and sperm whale habitats
- Whales are most at risk at the surface — especially when feeding or calving
- Ship strikes are the leading cause of non‑natural death for large whales
- Up to 20,000 whales are killed by ships every year — most strikes go undetected
- California waters are a hotspot: 24 whale deaths Jan–July 2025 in San Francisco Bay; 8 confirmed as vessel strikes
- Most whale hotspots now require 10‑knot speed limits to reduce fatal collisions
- Collision fatality risk: 30% at 10 knots vs 80% at 15 knots
- BIMCO partners with SOFAR to improve whale avoidance through better voyage planning and awareness
- Additional partnerships support members with guidance, maps, and training for high‑risk areas
- BIMCO also works on regulatory and contractual tools to promote whale‑friendly operations.
BIMCO’s aim is to support our members in adopting global best practices and protective measures to mitigate ship collisions with marine mammals.
