• Exploring Sri Lanka's blue whales and ship strikes

Blue whales are the gentle giants of the ocean, and Sri Lanka’s waters are rich with these incredible marine mammals. Off Sri Lanka’s southern coast near Mirissa and Galle, a unique group of blue whales calls this place home all year round. As the largest animals on Earth, they bring so much life and wonder to the ocean around Sri Lanka.

It’s not hard to imagine gliding through the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where gentle giants rise in graceful arcs. They also support local communities by attracting visitors who join responsible whale watching tours. Families, nature lovers, and curious travellers from around the world get to experience the unforgettable thrill of seeing these enormous beings up close, often watching in awe as they surface and release misty blows into the tropical air. 

Yet this natural treasure faces a serious and growing threat: ship strikes. Sri Lanka’s blue whales gather in nutrient-rich waters to feed on tiny krill and plankton. Unfortunately, these same feeding areas overlap with one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. Hundreds of cargo vessels pass through every single day, following traffic separation schemes that cut straight across the whales’ prime feeding grounds. 

Have you ever wondered what happens when a massive ship meets a whale surfacing for air? The result is often tragic and fatal. Whales sometimes wash ashore with terrible propeller wounds or deep gashes along their bodies. Many more deaths happen silently out of sight beneath the waves, leaving no trace for us to see.

Tragic incidents highlight just how dangerous this situation is. Back in 2012, two blue whales were killed within days of each other. One was even found draped over a ship’s bow in Colombo harbour, a heartbreaking image that drew international attention. Researchers have recorded multiple ship-strike deaths between 2010 and 2014. While big strandings are reported less often these days, the risk has not disappeared. Shipping traffic continues to grow steadily with increasing global trade. 

In recent years, worrying news has emerged. Blue whale sightings have dropped sharply. In 2024, surveys in traditional hotspots recorded only a handful of individuals. That represents more than a 90% decline compared to earlier years. Scientists believe this worrying drop comes from several pressures working together. Ship strikes play a major role, along with underwater noise from vessels and changing ocean conditions caused by climate change. These slow-moving giants find it incredibly hard to get out of the way of fast-moving ships. Every loss hurts the population deeply. It weakens social bonds between the whales and reduces breeding success in a group that is already vulnerable. This, in turn, affects the wider marine ecosystem that depends on them.

Recent studies show that ship strikes remain a significant cause of mortality for blue whales in Sri Lankan waters. Similarly, research highlights how the overlap between shipping routes and whale habitats creates persistent danger, even as awareness grows. These findings underline the urgent need for better protection.

The good news is that practical solutions are within reach. For example, shifting the shipping lanes just 15 nautical miles further south could make a huge difference in reducing collisions. Some voluntary offshore routing is already being encouraged, and more ships are following it. Slowing down in key areas would also give whales extra time to avoid danger. Sri Lanka has a real opportunity to show the world how to balance busy trade routes with strong conservation efforts. Protecting these whales does not have to come at the expense of economic growth. With smart planning and cooperation between the Government, shipping industry, and conservation groups, both can thrive together.

In conclusion, the future of Sri Lanka’s blue whales depends on all of us taking action together. By learning from past incidents and facing up to today’s threats, we can give these gentle ocean ambassadors a better chance at survival. Let us support smarter maritime practices so these magnificent creatures can keep gracing our waters for many years to come. Their presence enriches the marine environment and brings joy to so many people who visit Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline. Preserving this natural wonder will benefit both wildlife and local communities for generations ahead. The time to act is now, before it is too late.

The author is a volunteer writer of The Pearl Protectors

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The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication