A working paper on ship collisions, SC2/Doc 23 (which can be downloaded below), was presented by the Chair, in which two different approaches to the problem were suggested: an impact assessment and the development of mitigation measures.

During the discussion it was suggested that, although both sperm and fin whales appear to be the most impacted species, the latter could be a promising study subject because of its abundance in the Ligurian Sea (where maritime traffic is most intense particularly during the summer), and because population size and density data exist for that species in that area.

The Committee thus suggested that an ad hoc workshop be organised, possibly in cooperation with the Pelagos Sanctuary, ideally to be held in the context (e.g., immediately before) of the fin whale workshop referred to in Recommendation 2.6.

It was further mentioned that if the species selected as a study subject for the workshop is the fin whale, the Barcelona Convention might more easily support it.

The Committee adopted a recommendation on this subject ("Recommendation 2.8 on ship collisions").