Members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) have approved new measures that would instruct member operators whilst around humpback whales to commit to either a 10kn speed restriction within a specific geo-fenced time-area on the Antarctic Peninsula or, for member operators who have a whale strike mitigation training program, an extra watchman on the bridge to monitor and record sightings within the geo-fenced time-area.
The compulsory measures will formally take effect on July 1 in readiness for the 2019/20 Antarctic travel season, which begins in October. During the 2018/19 Antarctic travel season, over 900 humpback whale sightings were recorded in Antarctica, 333 as known individuals, compared to just 700 sightings during the same period last year.
Since the commercial whaling ban in 1982, nearly all humpback whale populations in the southern hemisphere are recovering, some at rates near their biological maximum but with these increasingly whale-rich waters comes an increased risk of whale strikes in areas of high aggregation such as those used for feeding, breeding, raising calves, socializing and migrating, which are essential for survival. By committing to the new mandatory measures, IAATO member vessels are supporting the return and survival of this species.
