Every year, millions of whales undertake epic journeys across the world’s oceans. These migration routes, sometimes called “whale highways,” are critical to the survival of these magnificent creatures. But these ancient pathways face growing threats.
Epic Journeys
Gray whales make one of the longest migrations of any mammal – up to 12,000 miles round trip from Arctic feeding grounds to Mexican breeding lagoons. Humpback whales travel from polar feeding areas to tropical breeding zones. These journeys have been repeated for millions of years.
Threats Along the Way
Ship Strikes: Major shipping lanes often overlap with whale migration routes. Collisions with large vessels are a leading cause of death for large whales.
Fishing Gear Entanglement: Whales can become wrapped in fishing lines and nets, leading to injury, infection, and drowning.
Noise Pollution: Underwater noise from shipping, military sonar, and seismic surveys can disrupt whale communication and navigation.
Our Protection Efforts
The Ocean Conservation Alliance works to protect whale migration routes through:
- Satellite tracking to map migration patterns
- Advocating for ship speed reductions in critical areas
- Working with fishing industries on whale-safe gear
- Pushing for marine protected areas along migration corridors