Each year, the world's largest container, bulk, tanker and auto carriers make thousands of transits along the California coast. By participating in our program, these ships can meaningfully reduce the environmental impacts of their transits including the risk of fatal whale strikes.
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Results
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Whale Safer Transits: 1,592,981 nautical miles at 10 knots or less (2014-2024 Season)
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GHG Reductions: 153,000+ metric tons in regional greenhouse gas emissions reductions (2014-2023 Season)
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Air Quality Protection: 4,500+ tons of harmful NOx emissions avoided (2014-2023)
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Noise Pollution Reduction: 5.4 dB / transit reduction of vessel source levels
Growth
Every year the program has seen increased cooperation rates from participating shipping lines. In the 2024 season, over 85% of all miles traveled in VSR zones by participants was at 10 knots.
Increased cooperation rates results in greater environmental benefits:
