Whales in Peril as Ships Ignore Calls | Anchorage News

A pregnant fin whale died after being struck by a cruise ship in the Gulf of Alaska, exposing a decades-long failure by government and shipping industries to act. Simple, proven solutions like slowing ships to 10 knots or less and posting bow lookouts have worked in California, cutting strikes in half. Yet since 2009, administrations have repeatedly rejected calls for action—even when oil tankers directly crossed whale migration routes. NOAA has reviewed data and held workshops but avoided mandatory measures, often citing flawed risk assessments. Despite formal complaints and new proposals for nationwide whale safety zones, no action has been taken. After another whale strike in Icy Strait, cruise lines offered vague promises of training and voluntary slowdowns—then went silent. With no mandatory regulations in place, whale protection remains dangerously ignored. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7fd60367e5755096