Port of Oakland joins California effort to protect whales, environment

(KRON) — The Port of Oakland announced Monday that it is joining a program that aims to reduce fatal ship strikes to whales and reduce air pollution.

Port of Oakland officials said it is becoming a program ambassador for Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS). As a participant, the port will encourage shipping line carriers to travel at 10 knots (11.5 miles per hour) or less in Vessel Speed Reduction zones from May to December.

The time period coincides with the peak presence of endangered whales and ozone, officials said. Traveling at 10 knots or less, according to BWBS, significantly reduces the risk of fatal whale strikes, underwater noise pollution and regional greenhouse gas emissions.

Nearly a dozen carriers, which represent 84 percent of all vessel calls to the Port of Oakland, have previously participated in the program, according to the port.

“This program will help our shipping partners meet the demands of commerce in a more sustainable way,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Director Colleen Liang.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies was formed by NOAA and coastal California air pollution control districts, such as the Bay Area Air District. It independently verifies cooperation rates with carriers, quantifies the environmental benefits and gives recognition to carriers who adhere to whale-friendly shipping practices.

“BWBS is proud to welcome one of the top ten ports in the country–the Port of Oakland–to this great program as an ambassador,” BWBS Director of Corporate Engagement Becca Tucker said. “Support from our ambassadors enhances awareness and helps us express appreciation to high-performing shipping lines and encourage further industry adoption of measures to protect endangered whales and coastal air quality.”