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Cordell Bank News

15 Aug 2023

Matson Adjusts Its Sailing Schedule to Increase Whale Safety

© David Johnson / Adobe Stock

U.S.-based Pacific shipping company Matson announced it has adjusted its sailing routes to help reduce the risk of whale strikes off the coast of California.Shipping channels into and out of San Francisco Bay and the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex transit federally protected national marine sanctuaries. These sanctuaries –Monterey Bay, Greater Farallones, and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries–are destination feeding areas for threatened and endangered humpback and blue whales from late spring through the fall.In 2015…

21 Aug 2018

MSC Honoured for Whale Protection Measures

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Cordell Bank and Greater Farallones national marine sanctuaries, off the US Pacific coast, has recognized the Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) positive work in reducing vessel speeds for a cleaner environment and better marine wildlife safety.The purpose of this speed-reduction program is to improve air quality, reduce risk of fatal whale strikes, and protect whales within National Marine Sanctuaries. Award recipients have set an industry example by voluntarily reducing vessel speeds in areas where endangered whale species regularly feed.Being struck by large ships is one of the leading causes of whale mortality worldwide.

20 Aug 2018

Shipping Companies Recognized for Efforts to Save Whales

(Photo: NOAA)

NOAA presented awards to 13 global shipping firms for their commitment in helping prevent ship collisions with whales off the coast of California.The companies participated in a Voluntary Speed Reduction initiative by slowing their ships to speeds of 10 knots (about 11.5 mph) or lower while transiting vessel traffic lanes outside the Golden Gate during whale feeding season, from May through mid-November.The national marine sanctuaries of North-central California - Greater Farallones…

03 Jun 2013

Shipping Lanes Re-routed off California Coast

Effective June 1, 2013, West Coast shipping lanes are being adjusted to protect endangered whales, & OceanGrafix's new charts incorporate those changes. OceanGrafix, the first and only company to offer NOAA print-on-demand nautical charts, today announced the availability of updated nautical charts that reflect imminent changes to shipping lanes. Effective June 1, 2013, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is amending vessel traffic separation schemes in an effort to enhance navigational safety and to protect endangered whales. The IMO adjustments to shipping lanes, which are backed by National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research…

21 Nov 2008

California – NMS Regs

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a final rule amending regulations applicable to the Gulf of the Farallones, Monterey Bay, and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries (NMSs).  The amendments include restrictions on introduction of new species; discharges from cruise ships and other vessels; attracting or approaching white sharks in the GFNMS; anchoring vessels in seagrass in Tomales Bay; deserting vessels; motorized personal watercraft use in the MBNMS; and possessing, moving, or injuring historic resources.  The effective date for these amendments will be announced separately.  73 Fed. Reg. 70487  (November 20, 2008). (Source: Holland & Knight)