top of page
photshopped2.png

Since 2014 we have helped companies reduce the environmental impact of shipping along the coast of California.

We monitor the speeds of hundreds of vessels that pass through the VSR zones each year. Utilizing a fleet-based approach, we assign a recognition level to each of our shipping company participants based on the percentage of their vessels that travel at a speed of 10 knots or less. Traveling at this speed has been found to significantly reduce both the risk of fatal whale strikes and harmful air pollution emissions such as smog-forming chemicals and greenhouse gases.

The program runs each year from mid-May to mid-November to coincide with peak ozone and whale feeding and migration. The program covers two geographic regions, one along the Southern California coast and one outside the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Explore our current list of participants here.

Humpback Whale Breach PC_ Robert Schwemmer.jpg
2022 - Attachment A - VSR Zone Maps_Page_1.png
2022 - Attachment A - VSR Zone Maps_Page_2.png

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies is run by a unique partnership of federal and local government agencies, foundations, and environmental nonprofits.

sbcapcd.png
NMSS Logo_Vertical_Full Color (1).jpg
Greater Farallones.png
BlueTextLogo_rgb.jpg
BAAQMD.jpg
ventura apcd2.jpg
EDC.png
Volgenau Logo.jpg
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.png

We work closely with researchers and consultants to independently verify the benefits of the program.

Scripps Whale Acoustics.png
Starcrest Consulting.png
Point_Blue_logo_CMYK_Full_Color_cs.png

We are an affiliate of the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay Program. SmartWay helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency.

SmartWay Affiliate Logo.png
bottom of page