Ships moving at high speeds represent a considerable risk to whale populations. The faster a ship is moving the more likely a whale strike is to be fatal. Convincing shipping companies to reduce their speed improves safety for whales and, at the same time, improves air quality.

According to a statement, ships account for more than half of ozone-forming nitrogen oxides in Santa Barbara County.

A new program announced last week involving a coalition of government, non-profit and marine industry groups will pay shipping companies to reduce their speeds from 14-18 knots to 12 knots or less while passing through the Santa Barbara Channel.

The program, led by the NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and the Environmental Defense Center is modeled after similar, successful, programs at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

“Few people realize that ships off our coast, especially those moving at faster speeds, are a risk to endangered whales and the quality of the air we breathe,” said Kristi Birney of the Environmental Defense Center.

Currently, six companies Six global shipping companies Maersk Line, K Line, Matson, COSCO, Hapag Lloyd and United Arab Shipping Company have agreed to participate in the pilot program. Each will receive receive $2,500 per transit through the channel.

“Slowing ships down reduces the likelihood that a ship strike on a whale will be fatal. We are extremely pleased with the positive response from the shipping industry to test non-regulatory, innovative approaches to protect human health and the marine environment while maintaining vibrant maritime commerce,” said Chris Mobley, Superintendent for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

Currently the program has funding to reward 16 vessels through the nonprofit Santa Barbara Foundation. The coalition reports, however, that they received 30 applications and is seeking additional funding to expand the trial program.