New Alaska cruise ship hosts marine mammal observer to better prevent whale strikes
An unusual partnership is sailing Alaska’s waters this summer. A cruise line is teaming up with an international whale advocacy organization to host a marine mammal observer on board for part of the season.
Steve Jones is the chief operating officer at ORCA, a citizen-science nonprofit based in the United Kingdom that advocates for whales and dolphins around the globe.
He joined the MSC Poesia’s maiden voyage through Southeast Alaska in May to kick off a collaboration meant to study how ships can avoid hitting whales.
“We still don’t understand some really fundamental questions,” Jones said. “What action should the ship take? What species-specific guidance might there be?”
Full story New Alaska cruise ship hosts marine mammal observer to better prevent whale strikes
