The United States Marine Highway Program (MHP) has designated two new marine highway routes, M-11 and M-79, aiming to expedite the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains, and boost local economies.

While this initiative holds promise for transportation efficiency, it also raises concerns about its environmental impacts, particularly on highly endangered whales and wildlife along the Alaska coast.

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Increased vessel traffic in marine highway routes poses a significant threat to whales and endangered species.

Expanding the Marine Highway

The designation of M-11 in Alaska and M-79 in Pennsylvania and West Virginia significantly expands America's navigable waterways. M-11, sponsored by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, extends over 6,500 miles and covers a vast coastal and river port network in southwestern and northern Alaska, connecting communities from the Aleutian Islands to the Canadian border. M-79, co-sponsored by the Port of Pittsburgh and the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization, extends the Ohio River system by nearly 250 miles, facilitating more efficient waterborne transportation.

On the surface, these additions to the marine highway program seem promising for reducing landside congestion and improving transportation options. However, a deeper examination reveals significant environmental concerns that demand immediate attention.

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Whales, including humpback whales, are vulnerable to collisions with vessels.

Whales and Wildlife in Peril

One of the most pressing issues surrounding the new marine highway routes is the lack of consideration for their potential impact on endangered species, particularly whales. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the waters encompassed by these routes, such as the Bering Sea, Bristol Bay, the Arctic Ocean, and the Yukon-Kuskokwim River Delta, are home to a diverse array of marine life, including humpback whales, bowhead whales, North Pacific right whales, fin whales, ringed seals, bearded seals, polar bears, and Steller’s eiders[^2^].

The Center is also suing the U.S. Maritime Administration for failing to consider shipping traffic’s harm to highly endangered whales and other wildlife along the Alaskan coast.

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The expansion of marine highways, like M-11 and M-79, can lead to deadly ship strikes.

“Alaska’s endangered marine wildlife will face a surge of deadly ship strikes, pollution and habitat disruption because of this failure to follow the clear requirements of bedrock environmental law,” said Jared Margolis, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “This sets a dangerous precedent for imperiled wildlife. Climate change is already causing harm in the Arctic, and opening up the area to increased shipping traffic creates a double whammy that could kill so many vulnerable animals.”

Humpback whales, as NOAA reports, are already vulnerable to vessel strikes in the Arctic, making this a critical concern. While the MHP aims to boost the utilization of waterways for transportation, it must also adhere to environmental regulations, including the Endangered Species Act, which requires a thorough assessment of the impacts of increased vessel traffic on protected wildlife.

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Shipping traffic can create noise pollution, affecting marine mammals' communication and navigation.

The Urgent Need for Conservation

The consequences of neglecting environmental assessments and safeguards are dire. Alaska's endangered marine wildlife, already grappling with the effects of climate change, face an additional threat from increased maritime shipping. With climate change altering Arctic ecosystems and threatening species like the humpback whale, introducing more vessels into these fragile environments exacerbates the challenges these animals face.

“The agency’s failure to consider this new route’s threats to whales and other wildlife is a glaring violation of the law and a total abdication of the urgent need to protect Arctic species,” said Margolis. “These species are already being driven to the brink of extinction. This is like building a highway through their homes without any consideration of the harms. We should expect more from the Biden administration.”

The current approach sets a concerning precedent for wildlife protection. As NOAA reports, the Arctic region is becoming more accessible due to melting ice, making responsible planning and conservation efforts evermore crucial. This entails evaluating the risks to marine life, implementing safety measures, and minimizing disturbances to their habitats.

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Climate change is already impacting Arctic ecosystems, and increased shipping exacerbates these challenges.

A Responsible Path Forward

The expansion of the Marine Highway can undoubtedly bring economic benefits and transportation efficiency. However, it must be undertaken responsibly, with a clear commitment to protecting the fragile ecosystems and endangered species that call these waters home. By taking immediate action to assess and mitigate the environmental risks, we can ensure that the Marine Highway contributes to economic growth while safeguarding the irreplaceable marine life of Alaska's coast.

The urgent need to protect these species should not be overshadowed by progress. Responsible planning and conservation are not only ethically imperative but also essential for maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. It is our collective responsibility to navigate this new marine highway with care and commitment to preserving our natural heritage.

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