60 shipping lines join expanded Blue Whales and Blue Skies speed reduction program

The Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program says 60 shipping lines are enrolled for 2026, a record, as California’s voluntary vessel speed reduction zone expands statewide on July 1. Early data show 250 ships have already traveled more than 73,000 nautical miles at 10 knots or less, a shift aimed at cutting whale strikes, underwater noise and coastal air pollution.

Why it matters: - The program is aiming to reduce fatal ship strikes on endangered whales, lower underwater radiated noise and improve air quality along California’s coast. - Participation hit a record 60 shipping lines for the 2026 season, suggesting broad industry buy-in as the zone expands to its largest footprint. - More than half of participating ships with transits in the zone are on track to qualify for BWBS top recognition awards, which may help sustain compliance.

What happened: - The 2026 Blue Whales and Blue Skies season began on April 22, Earth Day. - The voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction zone expanded statewide on July 1, running from the Oregon border to the Mexico border. - The voluntary speed request will stay in effect through December 31, 2026. - Ocean-going vessels of 300 gross tons or more are asked to travel at 10 knots or less inside the zone.

The details: - BWBS says early-season ship speed data from the first six weeks shows an 80% cooperation rate across the expanded 2026 zone. - The 2026 enrollment includes some newly eligible cruise lines, which were added to program enrollment this year. - So far, 250 participating ships have traveled more than 73,000 nautical miles, or 84,000 miles, at whale-safer speeds of 10 knots or less. - BWBS says more than half of the participating ships with transits in the zone are on track for top recognition awards. - The program is a collaboration involving the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation, several county air pollution control districts and air resources districts, multiple national marine sanctuaries and the Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory. - More information is available at Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies.

Between the lines: - The record enrollment and early cooperation figures point to a voluntary conservation program that appears to be scaling without regulatory enforcement. - The inclusion of cruise lines broadens the pool of vessels covered, which could increase the program’s reach in coastal waters. - The expansion to a statewide zone raises the stakes for shipping companies that operate along the full California coast.

What's next: - BWBS will continue tracking ship speed data through the end of the season on Dec. 31. - The program will use transit and speed results to determine which participants qualify for recognition awards. - Continued compliance will be key as the statewide zone remains in effect through the rest of 2026.

The bottom line: - California’s voluntary ship-speed program is entering its broadest phase yet, with record participation and early compliance data suggesting the coastwide expansion is already having an impact.