At the Council’s May Board meeting, a draft resolution in support of voluntary speed reductions for oil tankers in Prince William Sound was presented by a concerned citizen. The Council has been studying the issue of vessel speed reductions to reduce whale strikes through the Scientific Advisory and Port Operations and Vessel Traffic System committees for over two years.
The Council recognizes that vessel-whale strikes occur worldwide by all classes of ships and research has demonstrated that reducing vessel speed is currently the most effective way to lower the number of whale strikes. We also recognize that while there is currently a lack of information and research regarding the prevalence and risk of tanker-whale strikes in Prince William Sound, lack of information does not necessarily mean an absence of harm.
During the meeting, Board members discussed concerns about protecting whale populations from impacts of the oil industry in our region; current speed limits for laden oil tankers; the effect of slower speeds on reduced air emissions and underwater noise pollution from tankers; and other considerations.
A motion was then passed to issue advisory letters conveying the Council’s concerns related to vessel-whale strikes and acknowledging the effectiveness of reduced vessel speeds. The advisory letters will outline the Council’s recommendations to fill existing information gaps on the threat to whales posed by oil tankers compared to other vessels in Prince William Sound and the need for additional outreach to mariners about existing regulations. These letters will be directed to relevant regulatory agencies and the Trans Alaska Pipeline System tanker operators.