Vessel Strike | NOAA Fisheries

Deaths of Young Dolphin, Humpback Calf Highlight the Importance of Responsible Boating

In February 2024, NOAA Fisheries and partners responded to a dead spinner dolphin yearling and a dead humpback whale calf in Hawaiʻi. Examinations revealed their deaths were likely due to vessel strikes.

March 07, 2024 - Feature Story ,

Pacific Islands

A mother humpback whale swims beneath its calf to support it on the ocean surface as a researcher on a nearby boat leans over the railing holding a pole underwater to assess the condition of the call.

NOAA researchers with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback National Marine Sanctuary assess an injured humpback whale calf off of Maui. The calf had suspected vessel strike injuries to its tail. Credit: Pacific Whale Foundation (NOAA Fisheries Permit #24359)

NOAA proposes new vessel speed regulations to protect North Atlantic right whales

Agency also releases a “roadmap” for use of ropeless gear to boost endangered species recovery

July 29, 2022 - Media Release ,

New England/Mid-Atlantic

All Boaters Should Reduce Their Speed to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

Collisions with boats as small as 30 feet in length can be lethal to large whales, especially calves, and dangerous for boat passengers. Reduce your speed to keep everyone safe.

March 03, 2022 - Feature Story ,

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Southeast

National

Dead right whale calf (#3560) found floating off New Jersey on June 25, 2020, following vessel collisions. Credit: Center for Coastal Studies and Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMPA Permit #18786-04).

Go Slow—Whales Below

You can help save endangered North Atlantic right whales by slowing down to 10 knots or less in waters where they are likely present.

December 22, 2021 - Feature Story ,

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Southeast

National

Aerial image of a North Atlantic right whale mother and calf

North Atlantic right whale mother and calf as seen from a research drone called a hexacopter. Hexacopters allow researchers to conduct right whale photo identification and photogrammetry studies. Photogrammetry techniques allow scientists to get body measurements from aerial photographs. Credit: NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Conger and Elizabeth Josephson

Vessel Strikes

A vessel strike, sometimes referred to as a ship strike, is a collision between any type of boat and marine animal, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, fish, seals, or sea lions.

Alaska

New England/Mid-Atlantic

Pacific Islands

Southeast

West Coast

National