Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies

The SLO County APCD is proud to support the Blue Whales Blue Skies program, a vital initiative that not only protects endangered whales but also improves air quality for our coastal communities. By reducing ship speeds, we are safeguarding marine life and cutting harmful emissions, ensuring bluer skies and healthier air for all.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) verification and recognition program. Shipping participants help reduce ship strike risk to endangered whales, underwater noise, regional greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution by voluntarily transiting at 10 knots or less in the VSR zones and season timeframe set by NOAA. BWBS independently verifies participants' cooperation rates, quantifies the environmental benefits of participation, and provides recognition to encourage further adoption of responsible shipping practices that help support and protect marine biodiversity, air quality, and coastal communities.

To find out more about this partnership and program, click here.