Reduce and Mitigate Vessel Strike Mortality of Cetaceans
Implementing Organization
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$3,834,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Species Restoration
Targeted Resources
Marine Mammals
Project Description
This project will decrease the risk of vessel collisions with whales, particularly large whales in the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Vessel collisions are a known source of human-caused mortality for many marine mammal species and, in particular, for large whales. Collisions can result in serious injury or death due to either penetrating injuries from propeller cuts or blunt force trauma from collisions with vessel hulls. The true numbers of whale interactions with vessels are typically underestimated. While vessel collisions may be documented relatively infrequently in some large whale species, collisions may still be considered a major threat, particularly for whale populations that are small. Through stakeholder and industry meetings and workshops, the project will identify priority areas and restoration activities to reduce the risk of vessel collision. The project team will then work with scientists, managers, and stakeholders to develop and implement restoration activities through collaborative partnerships.
Contact
Christina Fellas(727) 551-5714
christina.fellas@noaa.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/