A pilot project to increase the safety of whales in the Santa Barbara Channel, and at the same time improve air quality is receiving national recognition.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency will honor the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Project.
You’ve heard about this unique project on KCLU News over the years. It provides cargo ships with financial incentives to get them to slow down as they pass through the Channel. Research has shown that the slower speeds reduce the chance of fatal whale strikes, something that’s been an issue over the years. And, the slower speeds mean the ships create less air pollution along the Santa Barbara, and Ventura County coastlines.
Seven companies participated in the program, and the reduction in speed resulted in the reduction of an estimated 500 million metric tons of greenhouse gases.
Plans call for a new round of the program this year. The hope is to make it an ongoing program, using state cap and trade revenue.
Partners in the program include the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, the Environmental Defense Center, Ventura County Air Pollution Control District, and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
