“We will maintain the same 10 knots and less than that, and we also love animals and whales.” 🐋 A surreal, unplanned, and kind moment showing the power of collaboration between industry and conservation. Sean Hastings is one of my favorite people. As the Policy, Information, and management officer of @noaasanctuaries Channel Islands, Sean’s role is to creatively and effectively address issues affecting the sanctuary. He does so with great passion, swift command, and a smile on his face. Sean founded the @bluewhalesblueskies a program which works with shipping companies to slow down during the whale season, May - December. The ships slow down to a whale safe speed of 10 knots, and in return the companies receive positive public relations in the top media outlets around the world. Collaboration works, and instead of pointing fingers this program has shown that educating, encouraging, and working together is the most effective action plan. Because of the actions of Sean and his team, we have seen a 50% decrease in fatal ship strike risk to whales, while also seeing a decrease in GHG emissions, and a 4.1 db decrease in ocean noise pollution. All of this is culminated in this scene. A conversation between Sean and one of the MANY shipping company captains that are slowing down #forthewhales My contributions may not be much. But if this short film inspires one more shipping company to hop on board. One more brand ambassador to pledge to ship their products on whale safe vessels. If this film saves on whale, I’ll give myself a “job well done,” my heart may rest easy. I may never consciously know if my contributions in film and media production actually save the life of a whale. But I don’t need to know. Working on this project has inspired me more than anything I’ve ever done. And I thank all of you who took the time to watch 🐋 Featuring : Sean Hastings, NOAA // @bluewhalesblueskies, @yangmingofficial Scene cinematography : @adamernsterwildlife, @mark.romanov Vessel support : @sbwhalewatch #bluewhalesblueskies #bluewhale