New technology is being introduced in B.C. waters aimed at reducing collisions between whales and commercial vessels.
Ocean Wise has announced that new underwater microphones will be used to detect whales in B.C. waters.
When whales are detected, commercial vessels are notified of the presence of whales nearby through the Whale Report Alert System.
These alerts help mariners decide when to slow down, reroute, or stop to avoid disturbing or injuring the whales.
“Given the ongoing issue of ship impacts on whales in British Columbia waters, we are introducing new methods to protect marine mammals,” said Dr. Chloe Robinson, Whale Initiative Director at Ocean Wise. It is more important than ever to do so.”
“This integration strengthens[the warning system]as an important tool for mitigating impacts on marine mammals in Pacific coastal waters. Hydrophone alerts provide real-time detection of whale calls, provided by local scientists. We hope that by supplementing the sightings we receive, we will be able to provide even more warnings to protect whales from ship strikes and disturbances.”
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Mr Robinson said the alert system was “the first of its kind”.
According to Ocean Wise, underwater microphones, also known as hydrophones, dramatically improve detection capabilities, especially in remote and low-visibility areas.
“Thanks to investments through the Government of Canada's Ocean Conservation Plan and Whale Initiative, and the important work being undertaken by Ocean Wise, we are making significant strides in reducing threats to endangered whale populations. We are making progress every year,” said Congressman and Minister Pablo Rodríguez. transportation. “We look forward to seeing the results of this pilot project.”
The hydrophone will be installed at the Boundary Pass Underwater Listening Station, which was commissioned in 2020 by Transport Canada in partnership with the Port of Vancouver-led Enhanced Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) program.
The listening station is located under the Vancouver Harbor channel and within designated critical habitat for the endangered southern killer whale.
Ocean Wise is a global conservation organization with a mission to build a community of meaningful action to protect and restore our oceans.
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