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The role of the International Maritime Organization in reducing vessel threat to whales: Process, options, action and effectiveness

Author

Listed:
  • Silber, Gregory K.
  • Vanderlaan, Angelia S.M.
  • Tejedor Arceredillo, Ana
  • Johnson, Lindy
  • Taggart, Christopher T.
  • Brown, Moira W.
  • Bettridge, Shannon
  • Sagarminaga, Ricardo

Abstract

Ocean-going vessels present a measurable threat of lethal collision with many marine species worldwide, notably large whale species of which many are endangered. Various modifications to conventional vessel operations have been recently used to reduce the threat. Some of the modifications have been instituted by coastal states as a result of their adoption by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) — a specialized agency of the United Nations that is the recognized authority for international maritime shipping interests and their safety of navigation at sea. We describe the processes through which coastal states can approach the IMO to seek review and adoption of environmental conservation proposals involving international shipping. We also provide a description of vessel navigation modifications in specific geographic areas where IMO-adopted measures to protect large whales have been implemented — there are only 10 such cases and we describe each. We then address the methods that can and have been used to assess the effectiveness of such measures. As weighed against the goals of the modifications by estimating the ensuing reduced risk to whales, actions taken are generally regarded as being successful in reducing the risk, but to varying degrees. We conclude that the IMO can be a powerful entity in providing solutions to a range of marine environmental and conservation problems. When used in concert with related efforts such as mariner education, the IMO, and the range of navigational measures available to it, is an effective forum through which coastal states can pursue large whale conservation objectives without unduly compromising the activities of shipping interests.

Suggested Citation

  • Silber, Gregory K. & Vanderlaan, Angelia S.M. & Tejedor Arceredillo, Ana & Johnson, Lindy & Taggart, Christopher T. & Brown, Moira W. & Bettridge, Shannon & Sagarminaga, Ricardo, 2012. "The role of the International Maritime Organization in reducing vessel threat to whales: Process, options, action and effectiveness," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(6), pages 1221-1233.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:marpol:v:36:y:2012:i:6:p:1221-1233
    DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2012.03.008
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Mullen, Kaitlyn A. & Peterson, Michael L. & Todd, Sean K., 2013. "Has designating and protecting critical habitat had an impact on endangered North Atlantic right whale ship strike mortality?," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 293-304.
    2. Prima Yudha Yudianto, 2023. "Utilization and Effectiveness of Computer Network to Support Productivity at Politeknik Pelayaran Surabaya," Technium, Technium Science, vol. 18(1), pages 23-29.
    3. Geijer, Christina K.A. & Jones, Peter J.S., 2015. "A network approach to migratory whale conservation: Are MPAs the way forward or do all roads lead to the IMO?," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1-12.
    4. Allen, Ainsley S., 2014. "The development of ships׳ routeing measures in the Bering Strait: Lessons learned from the North Atlantic right whale to protect local whale populations," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(PA), pages 215-226.

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