The Silent Struggle of Whales: Ship Strikes, Sound, and Shi- Trash

Whales are some of the most majestic creatures on Earth, intelligent, social, and essential to ocean health. But beneath the surface, they’re fighting a quiet, deadly battle. Human activity is threatening whales in ways we rarely think about, and many of these dangers are invisible to the average beachgoer.

One of the biggest threats? Ship strikes.

Surprising, we know!

 

A seemingly hopeless epic between meat and machine, only in this fight, the good guys are losing.

Massive cargo ships cut across whale migration routes, often without slowing down or detecting the animals below. A collision with a vessel can be fatal. These accidents are so common that endangered species like the North Atlantic Right whale are now on the brink of nonexistence, with fewer than 350 individuals left. Fact, the North Atlantic Right Whale has a V shaped blow hole and no dorcal fin, instantly differentiating itself from other subspecies of whale.

Then there’s noise pollution.

Whales rely on sound to communicate, find food, and navigate. But our oceans are now filled with the constant rumble of engines, sonar, and industrial drilling, to name a few. This underwater noise drowns out whale songs, disorients them, and even separates calf’s from their family’s, better known as pods.

And, of course, there’s plastic.

From discarded fishing gear to plastic bags and drink rings, ocean debris entangles whales or more times than not, fills their stomachs. Just in 2019, a dead sperm whale washed ashore with over 200 pounds of plastic in its belly, a heartbreaking symbol of our impact.

 

So what can we do?

Support laws that slow ships in whale zones. Choose reef safe, ocean friendly products. Reduce your plastic use. And share what you know because awareness is a powerful first step. And if you’re capable, stop drilling in our oceans.

The North Atlantic Right Whale may be big, slow, and dumb (around ships) but so is your mom (not around ships(scandalous sea wench she be(argh))) so we be needing to take better care of what we’ve only got so much of, argh.

 

Whales and wildlife can’t speak up for themselves. But we can.

 

Stand With the Ocean. Wear the Change.

At Immoral Coral, we believe fashion shouldn’t cost the planet. Every piece you wear helps raise awareness for marine life under threat, from ship strikes to plastic pollution, and goes directly towards ocean restoration projects. When you choose Immoral Coral, you’re not just making a statement. You’re making a difference.

Shop consciously. Speak loudly. Protect the deep.

Join the movement today at Immoralcoral.com

Written by: Boston Kurtz