Slowing vessels is the most effective mitigation strategy when rerouteing isn\u2019t possible, according to conservation NGO Oceancare.<\/p>\n
The sea between Valencia and Genoa, which includes the Pelagos sanctuary, is a key cetacean habitat, home to about two-thirds of the Mediterranean\u2019s fin whales and more than a fifth of its sperm whales. In July 2023, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) created the north-western Mediterranean Sea particularly sensitive sea area (PSSA). In a voluntary speed recommendation (VSR), it advised vessels weighing 300 gross tonnes and above to sail at 10 to 13 knots in the area to reduce the risk of fatal collisions.<\/p>\n
Despite the IMO\u2019s recommendation, the Guardian, using additional data from Global Fishing Watch, found that ships with IMO identification numbers spent more than 280,000 hours travelling at 15 knots and above through the PSSA in 2025. The data also showed that ships spent more than 6,000 hours travelling above 25 knots. It builds on previous analysis that found the voluntary recommendations were largely ineffective.<\/p>\n