When most people think of whales, they often picture the large baleen species that can range from 20 to over 100 feet in length. With most recreational vessels measuring between 15 and 40 feet, it’s easy to assume that small boats pose little risk. However, a growing body of research shows that even small boats can cause fatal injuries to whales of all sizes (see “More Information” below).
Vessel collisions are one of the greatest threats to large baleen whales and one of the leading causes of death to the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Although impacts from smaller boats might not result in broken bones, they can still inflict other serious injuries, such as internal hemorrhaging and fatal propeller lacerations. Occurrences like this happen more often than one might think.
In February of 2021, a recreational boat in Florida waters struck not only one right whale but a mom-calf pair. Shortly after, the calf was found deceased with massive cuts on her body from the boat’s propellers. The mother, a 19 year old female named Infinity, was sighted shortly after with propeller cuts and has not been sighted since. With only ~70 reproductively active female North Atlantic right whales remaining, both Infinity and her calf were critical players in the survival of this endangered species.
In addition to physical injury, harm comes in other forms. Harassment by small boats can change whales’ natural behaviors. Overcrowding, pursuing, and closely approaching whales, even if accidentally, can cause stress and interrupt their feeding or mating efforts. It’s important to remember that changing whales’ behaviors is prohibited by federal law.
There are many ways that you can ensure that your vessel doesn’t pose a threat to whales:
More information about vessel collisions:
All Boaters Should Reduce Their Speed to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales – NOAA Fisheries
New research shows even small ships pose deadly threat to North American right whales – Dalhousie University News
A Global Review of Vessel Collisions With Marine Animals – Frontiers in Marine Science
Vessel collision injuries on live humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, in the southern Gulf of Maine – Marine Mammal Science
Vessel Collisions with Marine Mammals – Pacific Whale Foundation
Whale/Vessel Collision – Oceanwide Science Institute