I am among the countless individuals who fell in love with the humpback whale, Sweet Girl, from a viral photo that captured her spirit and beauty. The heartbreaking tragedy of her demise, caused by a boat collision, still brings tears to my eyes, resonates with whale lovers everywhere and demands for immediate action.

French Polynesia, known for its rich marine biodiversity, is home to many such creatures, including the magnificent whales. However, the absence of speed limits on its waters has resulted in unwelcome and often fatal encounters between these magnificent beings and fast-moving boats. Sweet Girl’s appalling ordeal before her unfortunate death is an indication of a brewing crisis that needs urgent attention.

According to the International Whaling Commission, there has been a rise in incidents of ship strikes causing mortalities or severe injuries to whales worldwide. The need to impose marine speed limits is not just about saving a single species, it is about preserving the balance in our ocean ecosystems. Countries like the United States and New Zealand have already implemented such measures to safeguard their marine life, and it's time French Polynesia followed suit.

We are not just asking for policy change, we are advocating for a respect towards life in all its forms. Let's keep the spirit of Sweet Girl alive by preventing more tragedies from happening. Sign this petition to urge French Polynesia's authorities to implement speed limits in their waters.