Dear colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of a new article in the Journal of Cetacean Research and Management:
Currie, J.J., Stack, S.H., Kaufman, G.D. Modelling whale-vessel encounters: the role of speed in mitigating collisions with humpback whales (*Megaptera novaeangliae*) 17 (2017): 57–63. *Abstract:* Increasing whale populations and vessel traffic worldwide has led to an increase in reported whale-vessel collisions. This paper reports on factors that affect the rate of whale-vessel collisions in the four-island region of Maui, Hawai’i. More specifically, it aims at quantifying the probability of a whale-vessel collision with varying vessel speeds using encounter distances as a proxy. A change point model was used to identify a speed threshold of 12.5kts (6.4m/s), which showed a significant change in the relationship between speed and mean sighting distance. A 3.4-fold decrease in close encounters with humpback whales was observed when vessels traveled at speeds of 12.5kts (6.4m/s) or less. Furthermore, results indicate that lone adult whales and calves are the most likely to be involved in a collision. A speed limit of 12.5kts (6.4m/s) is warranted in areas and/or during seasons where a high density of whales occurs. This limit aligns with a reduction in lethal vessel strikes with speed from previous studies which found a significant increase in the likelihood of mortality when vessel speed exceeds 12kts. The full article is available online at https://archive.iwc.int/?r=6607 or email us to request a PDF copy: resea...@pacificwhale.org *Research Department* Pacific Whale Foundation 300 Ma'alaea Rd., Suite 211 Wailuku, HI 96793, USA Phone: +1 808-856-8338 Email: resea...@pacificwhale.org Website: www.pacificwhale.org -- mauiwhalefestival.org CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission and any accompanying attachments contain information belonging to the sender which may be confidential and legally privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom this electronic mail transmission was sent as indicated above. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in reliance on the contents of the information contained in this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this transmission and all attachments. Thank you!
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