NOAA extended the voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) request for the Southern California VSR zone through January 15, 2026 due to the continued presence of endangered whales. The Greater Farallones, Cordell Bank, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuaries also extended the voluntary VSR request for the Monterey and San Francisco region zones through January 15, 2026.

All vessels 300 gross tons or larger are requested to reduce speeds to 10 knots or less when transiting within the VSR zones off California to reduce the risk of fatal vessel strikes. The below advisory and chart was published in the District 11 Local Notice to Mariners.

Blue Whales and Blue Skies also extended the 2025 season through January 15, 2026 to match the NOAA VSR extension.

Voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction Zones to Reduce the Impact of Ship Strikes on Whales

17 December 2025: Extension of the 2025 Voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Requests in California