As boats start going back in the water in many areas, here’s your annual reminder that the Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG) needs your help with compiling data about collisions and other encounters at sea.
Click here to review the reporting form and the data you’ll want to collect in the event of a whale strike or sighting. This critical data will help identify high-risk areas, minimize harm to marine biomes, improve safety for sailors and their vessels, and understand the true scale of this often under-reported issue.
“Seafarers are the eyes and ears of the scientific community. By sharing our observations we build a better understanding of our impact on ocean life and can use this knowledge to inform better practices as we shift our role from being ocean users to ocean stewards,” said Damian Foxall, professional offshore sailor and co-founder and coordinator of MMAG. “We’d like to thank in advance everyone who takes the time to complete this survey.”
Founded in 2022, the MMAG is a collaboration between ocean racing giants like the IMOCA class, Foxall Munro, and The Ocean Race. World Sailing and 11th Hour Racing are also founding members of the organization, and it partners with major events like the Transat Jaques Vabre, Arkea Ultim Challenge, and several grand prix transats to help develop collision mitigation strategies.
For more information on the MMAG and to download resources including printable materials to keep onboard, visit mmag.world
