Scientists Warn Whales Could Be Harmed by Ships Diverting Around Middle East
A surge in shipping rerouted around southern Africa to avoid conflict in the Suez and Hormuz chokepoints could harm whale populations off the Cape of Good Hope, scientists have warned. The number of tankers using the route has jumped 40% in three months.
A joint study by University of Cape Town marine biologists and a BBC Earth team estimates more than 3,500 blue, humpback and southern right whales feed off the Cape of Good Hope. The route now carries a large share of the crude oil and LNG moving between Asia and Europe.
Acoustic monitoring shows ship-noise levels have risen 6 decibels in three months, halving the range over which whales can hear mating calls. An estimated five to seven whales per month are thought to be killed by ship strikes.
South Africa's environment ministry has asked shipping companies to adopt a voluntary 10-knot speed cap on the route. The BBC reports that major operators including Maersk and MSC are studying a limited rollout.
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