To reduce the impacts of commercial shipping on at-risk whales in key areas of critical habitat, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority-led Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program is coordinating three voluntary on-water initiatives off the southern coast of B.C. in collaboration with government agencies, Indigenous communities, the marine transportation industry, and environmental groups.

Southern resident killer whales are listed as endangered in Canada and the United States, with underwater vessel noise identified as a key threat because it interferes with their ability to hunt, navigate, and communicate via echolocation.

Since 2017, thousands of ship operators have participated in the initiatives, helping reduce underwater sound intensity from commercial vessels by up to 50% in key foraging areas.

Participation rates will be monitored using Automatic Identification System data and will be reported throughout the initiative via the ECHO Program's bi-weekly newsletter.

Source: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

 

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