The 2026 Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) season has officially launched on April 22nd in recognition of Earth Day!  This season, a significant expansion of efforts to protect marine ecosystems along the U.S. West Coast are underway.  The voluntary program, led by the Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) initiative, now applies across the entire Californian coastline.

The season kicked off with the BWBS Annual Awards Ceremony, where industry leaders, public agencies, and nonprofit leaders recognized top-performing shipping companies from the 2025 season.  “When industry leaders and public partners step up together, we send a powerful signal: protecting our oceans and growing our economy are not competing goals, they are shared responsibilities,” said Honoree Assemblymember Hart.

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BWBS is a collaborative partnership working toward safer whales, cleaner air, and a quieter ocean.  Container, car carrier, bulk, general cargo, tanker, and — new for the 2026 Season — cruise lines are eligible to enroll. Early enrollment is encouraged (but not required) to receive all the customized monthly reports detailing whale sightings and fleet-specific data. Enrollment materials and details can be found here.

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