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NOAA Vessel Strikes Right Whale

On Sunday, April 19, 2009, the NOAA Research Vessel “Auk” struck and injured a North Atlantic (NA) right whale while returning to port. The injury is not considered to be life threatening, but this event highlights the significant risk vessel strikes pose to this critically endangered species, and other whale species. WDCS supports the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary for reporting the incident and providing details that can help reduce the risk of strikes in the future. “If an informed crew on a research vessel, with posted observers, can hit a right whale, anyone can” said WDCS Senior Biologist, Regina Asmutis-Silvia. “This is a call to all mariners transiting areas where whales are known to inhabit to proceed with caution.”

Fewer than 400 North Atlantic Right Whales remain world wide, most of them well-known to researchers as individuals and identified by callosity and scar patterns. Right whales are particularly vulnerable to increasing vessel traffic along the US East Cost because right whales are slow moving and often skim-feeding on plankton near or just below the surface – a behavior that has been likened to swimming with a sea anchor. Thus vessel strikes are one of the primary human induced threats to this species.

The US National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has indicated that the loss of one female NA right whale each year, from human causes, may jeopardize the existence of the entire species. The species has the capacity to recover, as evidenced by the record 39 calves born this year. However, these calves have to make it to reproductive maturity to help the population recover, and the loss of one female represents the potential loss of five or six calves. So even in good calving years, the population increase may not be significant.

As a result of NA right whales perilous status, on Dec. 9, 2008, NMFS enacted a 10 knot speed restriction for all vessels > 20m (65ft) in specific right whale habitats in US waters. This speed restriction was designated because speed is a major mortality factor when boats collide with whales; speeds over 10 knots have a great than 50% chance of killing a whale if struck. According to Asmutis-Silvia, “there is currently no technology available that will reduce risk of colliding with right whales, but we do know that reducing speed and remaining vigilant are, currently, the best options”.

WDCS believes this NOAA rule, slowing vessel down in the vicinity of large aggregations of right whales, is the best way to preserve the species. WDCS has been heavily involved not only in getting this rule implemented, but also in educating recreational and commercial operators of the best practices when operating in or transiting through areas known to contain whales. Some ongoing programs include: Sea A Spout, a public outreach program educating private boaters about whale watching guidelines and best practices; Dolphin SMART and Whale SENCE, programs heightening responsible commercial dolphin and whale watching.

In addition to making sure all mariners, professional and recreational, are properly aware and trained on best practices, WDCS believes documenting any and all strikes of whales is critical to reducing future risks. A downloadable form is available for all mariners and WDCS asks the maximum amount of information be recorded and submitted to NMFS and WDCS. Our suggestion is to have copies onboard so as to know what information is needed.

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