Ship collisions become leading cause of whale deaths worldwide, study finds

A new study from the University of Washington reveals that ship collisions are now the leading cause of whale deaths globally. The research found that shipping activities overlap with 92% of whale habitats, yet only 7% of high-risk areas have management strategies to reduce collisions. The study highlights that managing just 2.6% of ocean areas could significantly lower the risk of whale-ship strikes. Current voluntary programs in places like Washington aim to reduce ship speeds and noise, but there are no mandatory regulations in place. Climate change is expected to worsen the situation as melting ice brings ships into new areas, increasing risks for whales. While some programs have gained traction, experts emphasize the need for better data and more effective measures to protect these marine animals.