Cetaceans: concrete measures taken to raise awareness of collision risks
By Justine Druet, Operational Excellence Officer, BML
Cetaceans face many challenges in their natural habitat. Between the noise pollution that disrupts their communication and the risk of collision with vessels, their survival is in danger. That's why Bourbon Marine & Logistics has decided to implement a number of measures, as Justine Druet, Bourbon Marine & Logistics Operational Excellence Officer, explains. The ever-expanding exploitation of the marine environment amplifies the threats to cetaceans, impacting on their migration and reproduction.
To meet these major environmental challenges, Bourbon Marine & Logistics has taken concrete steps to protect marine biodiversity in accordance with the three best practices defined by Armateurs de France :
- Avoidance of sensitive areas: we inform our vessels of regulated and sensitive areas.
- Reduced transit speeds: our vessels sail below the speeds recommended by the World Shipping Council.
- Increased vigilance: an alert is sent to vessels when they enter an area known to have a high concentration of cetaceans, so that crew members can be extra vigilant.
To reinforce the implementation of these recommendations, the Operational Excellence department has incorporated them into the Safety Management System. In addition, when our vessels enter areas known for their high concentration of cetaceans or IMMAs*, listed in the “WSC Whale Chart”, an email reminding them of these best practices will be automatically sent to them.
At the same time, Bourbon Marine & Logistics has introduced a new reporting procedure. Any incident, sighting or collision with a cetacean must now be recorded in the e-Logbook, including the number and type of cetacean if identifiable. This data collection will enable us to assess our impact and better understand the areas and circumstances of encounters or collisions with cetaceans.
However, it is important to stress that the WSC Whale Chart and the Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force have not yet covered all seas and oceans. It is therefore vital that crews remain vigilant in all circumstances, and report sightings and collisions with cetaceans even outside the areas covered by our alerts.
Together, by adopting these responsible measures and remaining vigilant, we are actively contributing to the preservation of marine biodiversity and the protection of cetaceans, those emblematic ambassadors of the oceans.
* Important Marine Mammal Areas
