Credit: NOAA
2023 Vessel Speed Reduction Season Results
The program’s highest participation yet posed a lower risk to whales, less ocean noise, less air pollution
Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies vessel speed reduction (VSR) program announced results from 2023, including a reduction in coastal California air pollution, lowered risk to whales, and reduced ocean noise. The voluntary program ran May 1 through December 15, 2023. Thirty-three global shipping companies participated in the voluntary incentive-based VSR program in 2023. Companies reduced ship speeds off California, transiting at 10 knots or less in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay region and the Southern California region.
https://www.bluewhalesblueskies.org/press/celebrating-2023-vsr-season