In an effort to safeguard the Antarctic Peninsula’s population of rare B1 killer whales, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) will mandate acoustic mitigation measures for all member vessels operating in the region.
This move follows two years of successful voluntary trials and will become compulsory in the 2025-26 Antarctic season. It marks a significant advance in IAATO’s commitment to science-based environmental stewardship.
“B1 killer whales rely heavily on sound to coordinate their hunting efforts,” IAATO Resource Management Coordinator Maureen Lynch explained. “By minimising acoustic disturbances in key habitats, IAATO is taking proactive, science-driven action to protect this rare population.”
The initiative introduces a formal Maritime Acoustic Awareness Zone (AAZ) in the Gullet, a narrow channel at the northern end of Adelaide Island, which is vital to the foraging behaviour of B1 killer whales. The AAZ aims to reduce underwater noise pollution that can interfere with whale communication and cooperative hunting.
Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.To comply with the new AAZ guidelines, IAATO vessels must follow specific operational protocols: maintaining a 400-metre no-go zone when whales are present; limiting access to one ship at a time; reducing engines to the minimum required; capping speed at 10 knots; and avoiding using thrusters.
“This decision underscores IAATO’s long-standing dedication to safeguarding Antarctica’s unique ecosystems,” Lynch added.
Since its establishment in 1991, IAATO has operated within the Antarctic Treaty System to ensure responsible tourism. In 2019, it adopted vessel strike mitigation procedures, including geofenced time areas in whale-rich zones such as the Gerlache Strait. This was expanded in 2021 with a mandatory 10-knot speed restriction. In 2025-26, two additional geofenced areas around the South Shetland and Elephant Islands will also adopt mandatory speed limits.
IAATO Director of Environment & Science Coordination Amanda Lynnes stressed the importance of collaboration, with the association already working closely with conservation bodies such as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
“IAATO Operators have a front-row seat to Antarctica’s incredible biodiversity – and a duty to preserve and protect it,” Lynnes said.
“As part of this, we will continue to work closely with all stakeholders while supporting science to inform conservation management and decision making for the region’s long-term benefit.”
