Program Impact and Latest Results
The world’s largest shipping companies transport products we purchase — participating lines reduce their speeds, reducing emissions & risks to endangered whales.
Photo: Adam Ernster
2025 VSR Season
A Growing Movement
What started as a regional effort has grown into a globally recognized program, with more ships slowing down over more distance each year to protect whales and reduce emissions. As participation expands, so does our impact—safer whales, cleaner air, and a quieter ocean.
Cumulative Impact
BWBS has surpassed a decade of voluntary action for safer whales, cleaner air and a quieter ocean. Each year the program has acheived greater cumulative whale safer distance and stronger cooperation rates from shipping lines.
Learn About the Program Impact Areas
By voluntarily reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in VSR zones, participating shipping lines help reduce the impact on our environment. Learn about how reducing ship speeds benefits whales and air quality.
Photo: Ralph Clevenger Wildlife
Reducing Ship Strikes
Ship strikes are one of the main threats to endangered whales. Research shows that ships traveling at 10 knots or less significantly reduces the risk of fatal ship strikes.
Reducing Air Pollution & GHGs
Ocean-going vessels can contribute a significant portion of smog-forming air pollution affecting coastal communities. Speed reduction disproportionally reduces these emissions.
Reducing Underwater Noise
Many marine animals, including whales, rely on sound for essential life functions such as communication, navigation, and foraging.
Results By VSR Season
Each year since the program’s inception in 2014 has seen increased enrollment and cooperation rates from participating shipping lines.
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2025 Season
May 1st - January 15, 2026
- 44 Shipping companies participated and reduced speeds to 10 knots or less for 85% of their total distance
- 481,273 nautical miles traveled at 10 knots or less
- Air pollution (NOx) reduced by 1,491 tons
- Regional greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 55,700+ metric tons
- 5.2 dB reduction in underwater radiated noise (equates to a 70% reduction in acoustic intensity; 45% reduction in sound pressure).
- 40% less risk to whales
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2024 Season
May 1st - December 31st, 2024
- 49 Shipping companies participated and reduced speeds to 10 knots or less for 85% of their total distance
- 425,983 nautical miles traveled at 10 knots or less
- Air pollution (NOx) reduced by 1,400+ tons
- Regional greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 49,000+ metric tons
- Ocean noise reduced by 38% or 4.1 db/transit on average
- Risk of fatal ship strikes to whales reduced by 50.1%
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2023 Season
May 1st - December 15th, 2023
- 33 Shipping companies participated
- 375,000 nautical miles traveled at 10 knots or less
- Air pollution (NOx) reduced by 1,250 tons
- Regional greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 45,000 metric tons
- Ocean noise reduced by 5.4 db/transit on average
- Risk of fatal ship strikes to whales reduced by 58%
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2022 Season
May 1st - December 15th
- 23 Shipping companies participated
- 266,148 nautical miles traveled at 10 knots or less
- Air pollution (NOx) reduced by 921 tons
- Regional greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 32,604 metric tons
- Ocean noise reduced by 4.6 db/transit on average
- Risk of fatal ship strikes to whales reduced by 44%
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2021 Season
May 15th - November 15th, 2021
- 18 Shipping companies participated
- 179,530 nautical miles traveled at 10 knots or less
- Air pollution (NOx) reduced by 650 tons
- Regional greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 22,201 metric tons
- Ocean noise reduced by 5 db/transit on average
- Risk of fatal ship strikes to whales reduced by 50%
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Hear from our Partners
Our unique coalition is composed of experts ranging from air quality professionals, to marine mammal scientists, to academia, and beyond. Hear their unique perspectives.
“We’re grateful for the industry’s leadership and for prioritizing whale protection amid complex logistical demands. This willingness to adapt operations gives me hope for a future where ships and whales can coexist.”
Rachel Rhodes
Project Scientist, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory
“Ocean-going vessels contribute a large portion of the smog-forming NOx emissions affecting coastal California communities. Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies is a critical component of our air pollution emissions reduction strategy. This partnership demonstrates the environmental benefits that are possible if we work together.”
Tyler Harris
Planning, Rules, and Incentives Manager, VCAPCD
“Our success lies not only in measurable environmental benefits, but also in our innovative, collaborative, and adaptive approach. By combining PR incentives, real-time performance tracking, and multi-stakeholder partnerships, the program has set a benchmark for voluntary conservation initiatives worldwide.”
Robert Mazurek
Executive Director, California Marine Sanctuary Foundation
“Wherever ships, whales and coastal communities overlap is an area of opportunity for BWBS to protect whales, improve the air we breathe and maintain ocean commerce. The high level of voluntary shipping industry cooperation is a testament to the strength of the BWBS coalition.”
Sean Hastings
Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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