Where are the Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Zones
Along the California coast, ships transiting at 10 knots or less in the voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction zones are reducing fatal whale strikes and cutting harmful emissions. Learn more about them.
Photo: Ralph Clevenger Wildlife
Photo: Jess Morten/NOAA
What is a VSR Zone?
VSR stands for Vessel Speed Reduction. VSR zones are a protection measure implemented to mitigate the impacts that vessel traffic pose to marine life, coastal communities, and the environment. VSR zones are found all over the world to help reduce the risk of ship strike for whales. In California, the VSR zones focus on protecting air quality and the conservation of endangered blue, fin, and humpback whales, whose critical habitats overlap with shipping routes going to and from several major ports.
VSR Zone
The 2026 voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season will be in effect April 22 through December 31, 2026 off the coast of California.
2026 VSR Zone
The 2026 VSR Zone is based upon the latest data regarding vessel behavior, important whale habitat, as well as prevailing onshore air pollution flow from vessel traffic. This updated zone is optimized for both conservation benefit, and to provide a simplified zone more straightforward for navigation purposes.
See the 2026 VSR Zone
2026 VSR Zone Points
Point. Latitude, Longitude
1. 41.97, -125.46
2. 40.34, -125.18
3. 37.69, -124.11
4. 36.32, -123.00
5. 35.50, -123.00
6. 35.05, -122.10
7. 33.30, -121.21
8. 32.55, -117.13
Citizen Science: Tracking Whales Along Our Coast
Many of our shipping lines contribute to citizen science by recording whales they see along their shipping routes. The interactive map below visualizes whale sightings by company and species. Click on any point for more information.
Photo: Dustin Harris
Featured Resource:
Whale Atlas
Go-to resource so mariners can quickly understand where whale protection measures exist across our global oceans and how to make operational and logistical adjustments to help protect marine biodiversity.
Photo: Elainne Dipp
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers for those who may be interested in our VSR efforts.
Take The Next Step
Shipping companies and cruise lines who would like to participate in this conservation effort can enroll their fleet at any point during the VSR Season.
Photo: Jess Morten ©2016 NOAA