Leading the yachting industry in marine mammal conservation

The yachting industry thrives on exploration, luxury, and the experience of sailing through some of the most pristine waters on the planet. Yet, with this privilege comes responsibility. As stewards of the sea, yacht owners, captains, and crew must be proactive in marine conservation efforts. One of the most urgent challenges facing ocean navigation today is the protection of whales—some of the planet’s most magnificent yet endangered creatures.

Ship strikes remain one of the leading causes of whale fatalities, a devastating reality that has motivated FarSounder to take action. Though our innovative Argos 3D Forward Looking Sonars (FLS) technology has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce ship-whale collisions, we are now taking this commitment a step further with the launch of our Whale Spotting and Safe Vessel Operations class. 

This new, online course has been created in collaboration with Azura, whose mission is to foster environmental stewardship, and is not a FarSounder product class. Rather, it is a collaborative industry topic class based on everything we’ve learned about how to work with whales while developing our products. The purpose of this class is to enhance whale awareness among bridge crews, yacht owners, and guests alike.

The plight of the world’s whales

The need for increased awareness and proactive measures has never been more pressing. Many whale populations are struggling for survival. Consider these alarming statistics:

• Only about 300 Western Gray Whales remain.
• The Eastern Mediterranean Sperm Whale population is down to an estimated 250 individuals.
• The North Atlantic Right Whale population has dwindled to a mere 370.

For these whales, a single ship strike could be catastrophic, further pushing their species toward extinction. Unlike other marine animals, whales are mammals, and therefore, must surface to breathe, making them especially vulnerable to vessel collisions. The ocean is their home, and our responsibility is to navigate it with care.

FarSounder’s role in whale protection

FarSounder has long been dedicated to advancing marine safety and conservation. Our 3D Forward Looking Sonars were originally developed with whale protection in mind, offering captains a real-time view of what lies ahead, including potential obstacles like marine mammals. FarSounder’s technology is designed to be both effective for navigation and safe for the environment—causing no harm to marine life.

FarSounder’s Argos products also build a depth map of everywhere the vessel goes and users can opt-in to anonymously share that map across the fleet and with Seabed 2030. In exchange, they receive access to the aggregate map generated by other FarSounder contributors. Additionally, the system facilitates the collection of citizen science whale sightings and floating trash observations, which are passed on to relevant conservation organizations.

Through our work with whale research initiatives over the last 24 years, FarSounder’s team has gained invaluable insights into these majestic creatures’ behaviors, challenges, and conservation needs. Recognizing the gap in industry education, we designed a course to empower yacht crews and owners with the knowledge and skills to better share the oceans with these incredible animals and reduce the risk of ship strikes.

Course highlights: enhancing safety and awareness

FarSounder’s Whale Spotting and Safe Vessel Operations class covers essential topics such as:

• How to spot and identify whales
• Exploring best practices when operating in areas known for high whale activity
• The basics of whale biology and conservation
• How to get involved with Citizen Science and supporting directed whale research

FarSounder has enlisted expert guest hosts from leading marine conservation organizations to bring the most up-to-date and relevant information to participants. The course is designed to be both informative and practical, equipping class participants with actionable strategies they can implement immediately.

The yachting industry’s responsibility

The yachting industry is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact in whale conservation. Superyachts and luxury vessels often traverse areas where whales migrate, feed, and calve. With increasing vessel traffic in these regions, the potential for ship strikes rises. However, with proper awareness and training, this risk can be significantly reduced.

By enrolling in FarSounder’s class, yacht crews can provide a safer, more environmentally responsible experience for guests while also contributing to global conservation efforts. Imagine the added value of not just spotting a whale during a voyage but also knowing that the crew has taken measures to ensure its safety. Such practices elevate a yacht’s reputation, aligning it with eco-conscious luxury and helping to provide a purpose to the guests’ adventures.

A call to action: join the movement

The time to act is now. With whale populations facing mounting threats from ship strikes, climate change, and habitat loss, every effort counts. The yachting industry has an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that luxury and conservation can coexist.

FarSounder’s Whale Spotting and Safe Vessel Operations class offers a chance to turn awareness into action. By participating, you not only enhance the bridge team’s skills and safety measures but also take a vital step in protecting one of the ocean’s most iconic species.

To learn more and enroll in the class, visit www.farsounder.com/whales.

Let’s ensure that future generations can continue to witness the awe-inspiring sight of whales in the wild. Together, we can make a difference.