Photo by: Barbie Halaska, NOAA Permit # 18786
Environmental groups and concerned citizens gathered at Chrissy Field Beach in San Francisco earlier this week in honor of 12 dead whales which washed ashore in The bay this year. At least four are believed to have died from the ship’s strikes.
“Dead whales washed up on the beaches of the Gulf are a wake-up call. We responded to this call at this event by demanding action to address ship collisions, fishing gear entanglement and climate change, ”said Steve Jones of Center for Biological Diversity, in statement. “Whales are essential for the health of the oceans because they carry nutrients and store carbon. The more we can protect them as their population recovers, the better it will be for all of us. ”
Against the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge, through which cargo ships and fishing boats regularly pass, speakers at the event called for mandatory speed limit up to 10 knots for ships passing through whale habitats along the California coast. Blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, gray whales, and other whales migrate along the west coast, where they are most at risk of collisions with ships and fishing gear.
Speakers also stressed the need for decisive action at the national level to address changing of the climate, which can cause malnutrition as food sources for whales have decreased or shifted. This could lead to an increase in the number of whales in areas where they are more likely to be entangled or encountered by ships.
“The world’s shipping fleet has quadrupled since 1980s and emits more climate pollution than all coal-fired power plants in United States together, ”said Madeline Rose, Director of the Climate Campaign Pacific environment. “California is the nation’s largest maritime importer and is home to the nation’s largest seaport complex. We call on Speaker Pelosi and all California executives to make zero-emission shipping an urgent priority. ”
Messages demanding change were also sent to key members of Congress, as well as Governor of California Gavin Newsom state wildlife officials are calling for more support and encouraging the use of ropeless fishing gear.
