Whales could be harmed by diverted ships avoiding Middle East, scientists warn

Scientists have raised concerns about an increased risk of whale collisions with ships off South Africa’s south-western coast, linked to the rerouting of maritime traffic around the Cape of Good Hope. This shift in shipping routes began in 2023 following the hijacking of a British-owned vessel by Houthi rebels near Yemen, compounded by ongoing conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran. As a result, more vessels transporting goods between Asia and Europe are avoiding the Middle East, leading to a near doubling of commercial ships passing through the region compared to the previous year. Researchers from the University of Pretoria’s Whale Unit, led by Professor Els Vermeulen, have analyzed whale distribution models alongside shipping routes to identify areas with heightened collision risks. However, the true scale of whale fatalities remains unclear due to “cryptic mortality,” where whales struck far offshore sink without washing ashore, complicating data collection. Vermeulen emphasized the need for systematic offshore surveys to better understand whale populations and the impact of increased shipping traffic. To mitigate the threat, scientists suggest adjusting shipping routes and reducing vessel speeds during peak whale presence periods, but they caution that more comprehensive data is essential before implementing effective measures. The team is calling for greater support to conduct detailed population assessments and improve monitoring efforts. Their findings were recently presented to the International Whaling Commission, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action to protect vulnerable whale species amid evolving maritime trade patterns. This issue underscores the broader environmental consequences of geopolitical conflicts and shifting global trade routes, illustrating how security concerns in one region can have unintended ecological impacts elsewhere. The situation off South Africa’s coast serves as a critical example of the challenges in balancing economic activity with marine conservation in increasingly congested and sensitive ocean areas.