Protecting whales: Scientists seek ways to reduce ship collision risk

They spend their time exploring the depths of the Mediterranean, occasionally coming back to the surface to breathe. This is a fin whale. At around 20 metres long, it's the second largest animal on the planet. Aboard the Blue Panda, Dennis Udy is among those aiming to study the animals. The team's goal is ultimately to reduce collisions between whales and ships. We want to better understand what happens during interactions between ships and whales. Around 33 fin whales die every year. With a population of 1,700 to 1,800, it's almost 2% every year. That's enough to put the future of the Mediterranean population at risk. Following hours of observation, one finally comes into view. Now, part of the team heads out to place a tag on the whale that will measure its heart activity. After 20 minutes, the device is removed. And this is what the fin whale's electrocardiogram looks like. There are clear spikes in stress as the boat approaches, evidence that could support regulations limiting the speed of commercial vessels. These data will allow us to understand the distance where an interaction becomes uncomfortable for the whale, whether it's 100 metres, 300 metres or another distance. Based on this, we'll be able to provide guidelines to maritime authorities so they can better regulate marine traffic and avoid disturbing whales. The more stressed a whale becomes because of a vessel, the greater the risk of a collision. Thanks to the scientists, the animals may be able to regain some of the peace and quiet they need.