Stop Ships From Hitting and Killing California's Whales

Stop commercial ships from killing whales by urging speed limits in our marine sanctuaries. California's sanctuaries are home to some of the nation's richest ocean habitat, as well as some of the most heavily trafficked shipping lanes. In the past 10 years, more whales are showing up along California's coast to feast in these rich waters; but sadly, this also puts them in harm's way -- right on the path to busy ports.

Collisions with vessels are a primary threat to endangered Pacific-coast populations of fin, humpback, blue, sperm and killer whales. Ship strikes are an increasing problem in California, where, since 2001 alone, nearly 50 large whales have been documented injured or killed by ships.

In June 2011, the Center for Biological Diversity and allies petitioned the marine sanctuaries to impose a mandatory speed limit of 10 knots to protect whales from ship strikes while traveling through these special areas. Speed limits have the added benefit of reducing greenhouse gas pollution from vessels.

Please fill out the form below to urge California's marine sanctuaries to slow ships and save whales.