Vessel Traffic: Avoiding the BIG SPILL

One of the biggest threats to California's coast is a large oil spill, which could seriously impact the entire coastal ecosystem, as well as wipe out the entire population of California sea otters.

The sea otter range happens to lie in the midsts of a shipping route that sees heavy traffic along the Pacific Coast. The ships travel quickly and often haphazardly, with little consideration for the marine ecosystems that they traverse. Collisions have occurred in the past, and remain a serious threat to the coastal ocean.

The Otter Project is working to minimize the risk of an oil spill occurring by advocating for the management of vessel traffic in established vessel lanes. So far the lanes, which have been recognized by the International Maritime Organization, are voluntary, and anecdotal evidence suggests that they are not being followed.

As trade from Asia increases, California's ports are going to see more activity. It's mandatory that protections be put in place to ensure that the coastal oceans are protected from the devastating effects of an oil spill.

For more information:

Issue Backgrounder: Avoiding The Big Spill

International Maritime Organization's Recommended Tracks Download

California Department of Fish and Game Vessel Traffic Satellite Imaging Download