[010113.EN.SEA] IMO Backs US Coast Guard Proposals To Shift Shipping To Save Whales

THE UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has approved three proposals to shift shipping from the Santa Barbara Channel to San Pedro Bay at LA-Long Beach as well as the approaches to Oakland, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The route adjustments were recommended by the US Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration after four whales were allegedly killed in ship collisions in the Santa Barbara Channel in 2007 and an additional five whales were said to be hit by ships off central and northern California in 2010.

The shipping industry has supported modest lane changes, which shift the southbound lane 1.2 miles away from Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands. The current route traverses whale feeding areas.

"We all agreed if we could move the lane a little bit away from the islands, it could reduce the risk to the blue whales," Chris Mobley, superintendent of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Said Pacific Merchant Shipping Association vice president TL Garrett, representing carriers: "I cannot imagine any opposition that would halt this process. It's a common-sense proposal based on good science."

Changes to charts are not expected until late 2013, when the US Coast Guard publishes official notices, takes public comment and completes an environmental assessment.

Environmentalists also want ships to slow to 10 knots in whale grounds, because slower speed collisions are less likely to be fatal, adding that the proceeds of California's new carbon tax on carriers could be used to compensate carriers for slowdown costs.

Said Mr Garrett: "We would be very sceptical of any mandatory speed reductions, because the science doesn't support it."

Source : HKSG.