Spanish introduce speed limit on shipping to protect whales

[Doondoo]

Spanish authorities have imposed a speed limit on shipping passing through the Strait of Gibraltar in an unprecedented move aimed at protecting whales, El Pais newspaper reported Saturday.

It is hoped that the new speed limit of 13 knots (24 kilometres per hour) will prevent ships from colliding with whales in the busy area which is home to 25 sperm whales. It is also hoped that other types of whale such as the fin whales will benefit from the measures.

Spain and Morocco are trying to protect whales along the route between the southern Spanish port of Algeciras and Tangiers in northern Morocco.

Currently shipping in the area does not impinge on the area where the whales are. However, this is set to change at the end of the year when a new port at Tangiers opens, which is close to the area
populated by the sperm whales.


http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/33934.html

[Trillo]

1. Hey, at that speed,

perhaps they can raise sails instead of burn fuel.

[Hunky Dunky]

2. Good on Spain!