Reduced ship speed off California coast lower air pollution and threat to whales

A record number of cargo companies voluntarily reduced ship speeds off California to ease coastal air pollution and lower risks to whales, according to a marine conservation program called Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies.

Thirty-three global shipping companies slowed their vessels to 10 knots or less in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay region and the Southern California region from May 1 through Dec. 15, the months of peak air pollution and greatest abundance of endangered blue, humpback and fin whales.