Whale strike mitigation survey

Thank you for completing the BIMCO Whale Strike Mitigation Survey

About the survey and why it is essential you participate

Ship collisions with whales are a serious issue, particularly in several regions where core whale habitats overlap with busy shipping lanes. BIMCO is currently looking into different solutions to reduce these potentially fatal strikes. This survey focusses on voluntary speed reduction zones and rerouting measures as way to protect whale from collisions.

We invite your views on how current measures around the globe are perceived, challenges in implementing them, and what kinds of support or adjustments could improve uptake by the industry.

By sharing your perspectives and experiences, you will help us gain knowledge on practical and achievable measures that will help protect whales and other mammals. We will use your feedback to try to develop practical and effective solutions to help the shipping industry follow the measures in place.

At BIMCO, our role is to ensure future decisions and solutions reflect your concerns. We are here to assist you with any queries or difficulties with this survey or with more general questions on whale protection measures that may arise. Thank you for your participation!

Confidentiality and data protection management of information

The questionnaire includes high-level mandatory questions (marked with a red star), as well as more detailed questions that may require input from technical or operational teams within your organisation. Please ensure the respondent includes their contact details. This allows us to get in touch with the right person in case of any questions.

We collect identifying information such as personal details within this survey such as name, company and position within the company. These details are for the sole purpose of establishing further communications. A statistical analysis of the survey’s results will ensure complete anonymity. BIMCO will not pass on your personal information to third parties.

Your responses are being collected via the JotForm platform, which has its own JotForm Privacy policy and applies to all data handled by JotForm. JotForm is fully compliant with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

If you have concerns with privacy or should you need assistance in completing the questionnaire, please contact please contact marinesurveys@bimco.org.
General information
Q1. Please enter your name*

First NameLast Name
Q2. Please enter the name of your company*
Q3. Please enter your position within the company*
Q4. Please enter your email, if you are happy for us to follow up regarding the survey or if you would like to receive the results
example@example.com
Q5. Are the ships operated by your company owner-operated or chartered or a combination?
Q6. Please let us know about your ships. You should indicate the type of ships and the numbers. By selecting the add row button you can add different types of ships*
The total number of ships (check sum)
Experiences with whale protection measures

The map below provides an indication of where in the world whale conservation measures are in place. Please note the map shows both mandatory and voluntary areas and this survey concentrates only on voluntary areas. Image Credit: World Shipping Council, 2024.
Q7. Which of the following regions or waters do your ships travel through? Please select any that apply to any ships.

Canada,Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Cabot StraitEastern Canada, Bay of FundyEastern Canada, Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine ParkCanada, British Colombia, Southern Gulf IslandsCanada,British Colombia Southern Coast, Salish SeaCanada, Atrium Niryutait and Angniaqvia NiqiqyuamUS, Northeast coast, Great South ChannelUS, Mid Atlantic coastUS, Eastern coast, Cape Cod BayUS, California, Los AngelesUS, California, San FranciscoUS, Washington, Puget SoundAleutian IslandsUS, HawaiiCosta RicaEast Mediterranean, Greece, Hellenic trenchNorth-western MediterraneanNew ZealandOmanPanamaBrazil, São SebastiãoSri LankaSouth Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in Cabot Strait, Gulf of Saint Lawrence? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low , 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Cabot Strait, Gulf of Saint Lawrence?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in the Bay of Fundy, Eastern Canada? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in the Bay of Fundy, Eastern Canada?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park, Eastern Canada? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park, Eastern Canada?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in the Southern Gulf Islands, British Colombia, Canada? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Southern Gulf Islands, British Colombia, Canada?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in the Salish Sea, British Colombia, Canadian Southern Coast? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in South Coast, Salish Sea, British Colombia, Canada?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in Atrium Niryutait and Angniaqvia Niqiqyuam, Canada? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Atrium Niryutait and Angniaqvia Niqiqyuam, Canada?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation through the Great South Channel, North-eastern coast, US? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in the Great South Channel, North-eastern coast, US?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation along the Mid Atlantic coast, US? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in the Mid Atlantic coast, US?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in the Cape Cod Bay area, Eastern coast, US? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures Cape Cod Bay area, Eastern coast, US?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in the area near to Los Angeles, California, US? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Los Angeles, California,US?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in San Francisco Bay, California, US? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in San Francisco, California, US?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in Puget Sound, Washington, US? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Puget Sound, Washington, US?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation around the Aleutian Islands? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in the Aleutian Islands?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation around Hawaii? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Hawaii?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in Costa Rica waters? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Costa Rica?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in the Hellenic Trench area, Greece, Eastern Mediterranean? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in the Hellenic Trench area, Greece?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in North-western Mediterranean? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in the North-western Mediterranean?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in New Zealand waters? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in New Zealand?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in Panama? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Panama?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in São Sebastião, Brazil? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Rarely, 5 is Always
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in São Sebastião?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in Sri Lankan waters? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Sri Lanka?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation in Oman waters? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in Oman?

YesNo
On a scale of 1 to 5 please rank how familiar/experienced are you with navigation around the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands? 1 being low familiarity/experience and 5 being high

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Low, 5 is High
Are you aware of the voluntary measures in the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands?

YesNo
N* of regions selected (will be hidden)
N* of regions answered NO (will be hidden)
Percentage of regions where don't know about the voluntary measures (will be hidden)
Q8a. How would you best describe the frequency with which you receive alerts or notifications about voluntary measures?
Q8b.To where do you normally receive the notifications or alerts?

To the officeTo the ship/bridgeBoth office and ship
Q8c. How would you rate the clarity of these communications?

1

2

3

4

5

1 is Not clear, 5 is Very clear
Q8d. Do you have any comments on notifications or alerts? Any good or bad practices?
Q9a. How does your company typically receive and process information about voluntary whale protection measures? Select all which apply.

Information is directly integrated into navigation displaysCoastguard and government agencies emailsCoastguard and government agencies VHF broadcastsWorld Shipping Council Whale Chart on boardThrough partnerships with NGOs (e.g. Whale Report Alert System)From mobile appsOther
Q9b. Please add any comments on the receiving of information
Q9c. In your opinion, would integrating measures into navigational systems (such as a layer in ECDIS) improve implementation and adherence?

YesNo
Awareness and challenges

Q10. Please review the following statements concerning whales, marine mammals, and the voluntary measures currently in place to protect them. How would you assess the level of awareness within your company regarding each of these statements? *

	Not aware	Minimally aware	Moderately aware	Highly aware	Fully aware
The leading cause of whale mortality aside from natural causes is ship strikes
Reducing speed significantly lowers the risk of whale strikes
Rerouting can contribute to avoiding whale strikes
Some regions have voluntary measures in place to protect whales and other mammals

Q10a. Please add any comments on raising awareness:

Q11. In your opinion, what could be the primary reasons voluntary whale strike mitigation measures may not be followed and the level of influence of each reason? *

	Low influence	Slight influence	Moderate influence	High influence	Very high influence	Comments
Adverse weather
Operational constraints
Safety concerns
Financial impact
Contractual limitations and risk of legal disputes
Competitive disadvantage
Lack of awareness
Lack of monitoring

Q11a. Please specify any other potential reasons that you ships might not follow measures.
Q12. In your opinion, what would be the likely operational constraints that prevent your company's ships from following voluntary whale strike mitigation measures? Please select all which might apply*

Traffic densityCargo sensitivityVoyage schedule (eg delays)Port approach limitationsFuel efficiency concernsUnclear or inconsistent guidanceLack of real-time data on whale presence, migration routes, or safe routing alternativesOther
Q13. In your opinion, what would be the likely safety concerns that prevent your companies ships from following voluntary whale strike mitigation measures?*

Navigational hazardsTraffic densityRoutes for fishing or small craftsCrew fatigue and workload (eg additional navigational complexity)Emergency response limitationsAdverse weather and sea conditionsOther
Q14. In your opinion, what would be the likely financial factors that prevent your companies ships from following voluntary whale strike mitigation measures?*

Commercial commitmentsPort finesFuel costsOther
Q15. In your opinion, would financial incentives increase the probability of the shipping industry complying with voluntary slowdown or rerouting measures?*

YesNoUnsure
Q16. Do your ships have onboard briefings or posters explaining the purpose of slowdown zones?*

YesNoUnsure
Q17. Does your company provide training on whale strike mitigation?*

YesNoPlannedUnsure
Q17a. Please add any comments on training
Q18. Does your company encourage reporting of whale sightings and/or incidents?*

YesNoUnsure
Q18a. Please add any comments on reporting
Potential commercial and contractual solutions
Q19. Within the contractual limitations, to what extent are you concerned about breaching the obligation to proceed with utmost despatch/by the usual route?*

HighModerateLowUnsure
Q20. Is potentially breaching the obligation to proceed with utmost despatch/by the usual route deterring your company from following whale protection measures?*

YesNoUnsure
Q21. Would your company be more likely to support compliance if the charter party allowed for flexibility for delays related to whale protection measures?*

YesNoUnsure
Q22. In terms of insurance coverage, what are the potential impacts of slowdown zones and/or rerouting your ships?
Some final questions
Q24. What improvements or support mechanisms would help your company implement and adhere with voluntary slowdown zone measures more effectively?
Q25. Would you be willing to share any whale strike mitigation strategies your company has adopted, or any success stories related to environmental protection?*

YesNo
Should be Empty:

General information

Experiences with whale protection measures

Awareness and challenges

Potential commercial and contractual solutions

Some final questions