What we do
Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) program incentivizing shipping participants to reduce ship strike risk to whales, underwater noise, emissions, and air pollution by voluntarily transiting at 10 knots or less. BWBS independently verifies cooperation rates and environmental benefits and incentivizes further adoption of responsible shipping practices that protect marine biodiversity and coastal air quality.
Collaborative Partnerships to Protect Life on Earth
By The Numbers
In 2024, participating vessels reduced the risk of fatal ship strikes to endangered whales by approximately 50%.
Photo: Dustin Harris
In 2024, participating vessels helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49,000 metric tons.
Photo: Rinson Chory
What’s At Stake
Working together to tackle pressing issues for whales and our coastal communities.
Ship Strikes to Endangered Whales
Ship strikes are one of the main threats to endangered whales. An estimated 80 whales a year are struck and killed by shipping vessels off the U.S. West Coast.
Photo: Greg Sanders
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Maritime shipping accounts for approximately three percent of global CO2 emissions. Reducing ship speeds can decrease critical air pollution in key areas and emissions by about 27% from baseline.
Photo: Katie Abbott Photography
Underwater Noise
Anthropogenic (human-made) activities, including commercial shipping, introduce noise pollution at concerning levels to marine environments and pose life-threatening challenges for marine life.
Photo: Christian Palmer
The Latest
Read the latest news, reports, stories and see relevant resources created and gathered by our team.

When Ships Slow Down, Everybody Wins, Including Endangered Whales
August 05, 2025

Adam Ernster and his "Battle of the Blues"
August 05, 2025

In a Deadly Year for Whales, CA Considers Statewide Program to Slow Ships
August 03, 2025