10 conservation projects saving endangered wildlife
10 conservation projects saving endangered wildlife · 1. Giving African elephants room to roam · 2. Restocking and enlarging a park for greater ...
changing shipping routes
IFAW is dedicated to eliminating both of these issues by <anchor>changing shipping routes</anchor>. South of Sri Lanka lies one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes—and it runs straight over an important feeding area for blue whales, the largest animals in the world. When we learned we could save hundreds of whales by simply moving that lane 15 miles south, we realized we had to act.
21st Century Shipping | IFAW
21st Century Shipping \| IFAW

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avoiding a collision course to save whales

# avoiding a collision course to save whales

## We **can make the waters safer** for whales by rerouting ships. It’s that simple.

##### Problem

The waters south of Dondra Head, off southen Sri Lanka, are home to one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Right now, the lane runs right over a significant feeding area for blue whales. But if that lane were pushed south by just 15 miles, over time, hundreds of blue whales would be saved – and trade would never suffer.

##### Solution

We’re working to make this a reality. Partnering with scientists, shippers, mariners, local whale watch operators, and others, we’re making an effort to persuade Sri Lanka authorities to change the routes.

But this isn’t just problem in Sri Lanka – it happens worldwide. And it’s going to take a worldwide effort to fix it. We’re advocating for governments in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand to step up and **make waters safer for these majestic animals.**

## We worked with partners to produce an app called “ [Whale Alert](http://www.whalealert.org/\#app)” that allows mariners in some countries to access real-time information about whales in the area to **ensure they’re taking a safe route.**

## Every problem has a solution, **every solution needs support.**

The problems we face are urgent, complicated, and resistant to change. Real solutions demand creativity, hard work, and involvement from people like you.

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21st Century Shipping

##### People leading the way

[Sharon LivermoreDirector - Marine Conservation](/people/staff/sharon-livermore) [Kathleen CollinsSenior Marine Campaigns Manager](/people/staff/kathleen-collins) [Aurore MorinCampaign Officer - Marine Conservation](/people/staff/aurore-morin)

##### Related

[First Greek shipping company changes course for its ships to protect endangered whales in Hellenic Trench](/press-releases/first-greek-shipping-company-changes-course-ships-protect-endangered-whales-hellenic-trench) August 8, 2024

[10 conservation projects saving endangered wildlife](/journal/conservation-projects-saving-endangered-wildlife) May 10, 2024

[major Danish shipping company strives for a brighter future for endangered sperm whales in Greek waters](/press-releases/dfds-shipping-company-alter-routes-sperm-whales-greece) June 1, 2023

[Read more](/search/?q=avoiding+a+collision+course+to+save+whales)

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