The beginning of May is notable in the whale protection calendar as it sees the introduction of mandatory and voluntary measures to protect whales from collisions with ships – with measures now in place in Canada, California and Brazil. May is a significant month for some whale species because it marks key events in their migration and breeding cycles. As such, in areas such as California, Canada and Brazil, May also sees the introduction of mandatory and voluntary measures to reduce the risk of whale-ship collisions. A short summary of measures is provided here but members are advised to check the weblinks for the most up to date information. The Whale Chart produced by the World Shipping Council also provides useful resources on global measures Whales — World Shipping Council whilst we will continue to provide members with significant updates as new measures come into force throughout the year. California Coast The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a voluntary 10-knot Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) request from 1 May off the coast of California. The goals of these voluntary VSR zones are to reduce the risk of fatal ship strikes to endangered and threatened blue, fin, and humpback whales, reduce ocean noise, and protect public health along the California coast. These whale species are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Members are reminded that any unauthorized take of whales, even if unintentional, by vessels transiting in U.S. waters violates federal statutes. The voluntary VSR request will be in effect from 1 May to 31 December 2025. Members are also advised to note the southern California VSR zone has been expanded to include the newly designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and the VSR period is the same for both VSR zones due to the presence of protected humpback whales in recent years. NOAA requests that all vessels 300 gros