Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is a partnership between federal and local government agencies, foundations, and environmental nonprofits, including the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation; Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries; Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory; the Bay Area Air Quality Management District; Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control Districts, and Monterey Bay Air Resources District.

 

BWBS monitors the speeds of vessels 300 GT (gross tons) and larger that pass through voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction ("VSR") zones each year. BWBS awards recognition to participating shipping companies based on the percentage of total distance travelled at whale safer speeds of 10 knots or less. Traveling at 10 knots or less has been found to significantly reduce:

• ​ the risk of fatal whale strikes;

• air pollution and regional greenhouse gas emissions, and

• underwater noise pollution.

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The VSR Season coincides with peak ozone and endangered presence. VSR zones include two geographic regions: one along the Southern California coast and one outside the San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas.​ By verifying cooperation, calculating environmental benefits, and recognizing participants, BWBS helps shipping companies meet the demands of commerce in a more sustainable way.