• Main Authors: Edmund G. Brown, Mary Nichols Chair, Charles F. Lester
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Long Beach; Blue whale; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.431.6083; http://www.sbcapcd.org/itg/VSR-support-SBCAPCD.pdf

Air Quality Management District proposal to implement a Vessel Speed Reduction Incentive Program along the California coast, using funds generated from Cap-and-Trade auction credits. Existing programs already in place in the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles have proven effective in reducing both greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) as well as the potential for whale strikes. Lowering vessel speed in shipping channels reduces particulate matter and GHGs in from diesel ship engines in coastal areas in much the same way that lowering freeway speed limits reduces emissions from vehicles. Expanding this successful model beyond the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles would significantly improve coastal air and water quality and benefit public health by reducing air toxics and particulate matter. These substances ultimately find their way into the marine environment, contributing to ocean acidification as well. Vessel speed reduction can also benefit whales and other marine wildlife by reducing the likelihood and severity of collisions, which is especially important in migratory corridors and foraging grounds, such as the Santa Barbara Channel. For endangered species, such as the Blue Whale, preventing even a single lethal ship strike could be a significant benefit to the population.