The Panama Canal has implemented a 10 knot speed limit aimed at protecting whales, dolphins and other large marine mammals against ship strikes. The speed limit will run from August 1 through November 30 to coincide with seasonal migration periods and in-line with International Maritime Organization's (IMO) annual recommendations on speed and maritime transit aimed at … [Read more...]
Over 80 Injured as High-Speed Hydrofoil Ferry Hits Whale in Japan
More than 80 passengers were reported injured, several seriously, after a hydrofoil ferry apparently struck a whale while underway in the Sea of Japan on Saturday. The high-speed hydrofoil, named Ginga, was underway from Niigata, Japan to Sado Island when the vessel struck what the ferry operator said appears to be “marine life”. The impact was strong enough to send … [Read more...]
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Hit with $6K Speeding Ticket in Gulf of St. Lawrence
The Canadian government has issued a $6,000 speeding ticket to a Canadian Coast Guard ship for travelling over the posted speed limit in the western Gulf of St. Lawrence. Since August 11, 2017, Transport Canada has been imposing a 10-knot speed limit for larger vessels operating in designated areas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence due to the increased presence of right whales in … [Read more...]
Canada Orders Ships to Reduce Speed to Prevent Whale Strikes
TORONTO, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Certain ships are being ordered to reduce speed because of the deaths of at least 10 North Atlantic right whales in Canada's Gulf of St Lawrence during the past two months, the government said on Friday. The deaths have made 2017 the deadliest year for the endangered marine mammal since scientists began tracking their numbers in the 1980s, … [Read more...]
High Number of Deaths Among North Atlantic Right Whales Puzzles Scientists
TORONTO, July 31 (Reuters) - North American conservationists are scrambling to find out why North Atlantic right whales are dying in unprecedented numbers, with nine deaths in Canada's Gulf of St. Lawrence in two months, according to Canadian authorities. The nine deaths make 2017 the deadliest year for the endangered marine mammal since scientists began tracking their … [Read more...]