January 2023 marked the launch of the Marine Mammal Advisory Group (MMAG). This is an initiative born by a collective of ocean racing players, the IMOCA Class, 11th Hour Racing Team, The Ocean Race and World Sailing.
These four organisations came to the conclusion that there was no common initiative that brings together all those involved in ocean racing around the complex issues of biodiversity protection, mammal strikes and collision avoidance at sea. The complexity of these subjects required an alliance of strengths and knowledge to move forward collectively involving race organisers, scientific institutions and technical support. MMAG now has over 35 members, with a wide range of profiles.
1- Sourcing and sharing information
2- Risk assessment on race courses
3- Live reporting and citizen science
4- Developing technological solutions
5- Training and awareness-raising
